When you catch a cold, taking cold medicine and cough can relieve the symptoms of a cold cough due to the flu and make you able to rest more soundly, so the healing process is faster. But, choosing a cold and cough medicine should not be careless. There are a number of things that you need to pay attention to.
The flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. When the flu, the body will naturally fight the virus that causes flu by producing mucus and causing inflammation. Excessive mucus production and inflammation is what ultimately makes you cough and runny nose, and feel unwell when you have the flu.
Common Cold Symptoms and Cough
Symptoms of flu and cough usually appear 2-3 days after influenza virus enters the body. In addition to coughing and colds, some of the symptoms that can also occur during a cold are:
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- The body feels weak
- Muscle ache
- No appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shivering or chills
However, not everyone who has the flu will show all the symptoms above. Symptoms of flu and cough can also be different in each person. Symptoms that appear can be mild, can also be severe enough to limit daily activities.
Flu and Cough Medicines that Can Be Choices
Coughs and colds due to flu can actually subside and heal itself within a few days, as long as your immune system is good. Therefore, you need to get enough rest and drink plenty of water.
If the symptoms of colds due to colds are felt to be severe enough to interfere with activity and rest, you can take cold medicine and cough to relieve them. This cold cough medicine can usually be bought over the counter without a doctor's prescription.
Here are some recommended cold and cough medicines:
- Succus liquiritiae extract or liquorice extract, to relieve cough and sore throat.
- Paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain in the body due to flu.
- Ammonium chloride, to thin phlegm and phlegm, making it easier to remove.
- Ephedrine HCI and chlorphenamine maleate, to relieve colds and nasal congestion due to flu. Both of these drugs can also treat colds due to allergies or irritation in the respiratory tract, for example due to exposure to dust, or cigarette smoke.
When taking cold and cough medicines, make sure you have read the instructions for use that are printed on the packaging. Take the medicine according to the rules of use and the recommended dosage.
Antibiotics are not always needed to treat coughs and colds, because coughs and colds are often caused by viral infections. Antibiotics are only given if a cold cough is caused by a bacterial infection, for example if a cold cough is accompanied by thick greenish yellow phlegm, or if a cold cough does not heal after a few days.
Preventing Cough and Colds
In order not to be easily attacked by the virus that causes flu and cough, you can take the following preventative steps:
- Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Keep away from people who have the flu and cough.
- Maintain cleanliness and air quality in the house, for example by not smoking and diligently cleaning the house. If necessary, you can also use an air filter or humidifier in the room.
- Implement a healthy lifestyle.
- Get influenza vaccination.
You need to remember, the use of cold and cough medicines must be in accordance with the dosage and rules of use listed on the drug packaging. In addition, pregnant and lactating women are also advised to consult with a doctor before taking over-the-counter cold and cough medicines.
If the flu and cough that you experience does not improve with independent care and treatment at home, check with your doctor so that further treatment can be given.
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