Flu Infections

[skyblue]

Hi my uncle is in very worst condition this time because He is facing problems like fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches .I think this is viral infection .I want to know more about drugs their side effects and precautions.

[tarnalberry]

A lot of it depends on how severe the symptoms are -

how high of a fever? (over 101 for more than 2 days, he should see a doctor; over 106 at all, he should see a doctor; for more than a week, he should see a doctor)

how tired? (can't stay more than a total of an hour in a day, he should see a doctor; needs 12 hours or more sleep a day for two weeks, he should see a doctor)

same thing with the cough and congestion.

you're right that it's likely viral, based on those symptoms, but they usually don't give patients with a cold or flu virus anti-viral meds, but rather supportive medications that are usually OTC (or prescription strengths of the same medication). so, they might suggest he take tylenol to lower the fever and ease the aches, and a decongestant (like pseudoephedrine or (my preference) guifenessin) to help with the cough and sinus symptoms, and plenty of rest to fight it off. those two meds, in particular, have side effects, but are actually fairly safe when taken as directed.

there are a lot of other supportive measures, including plenty of hot baths (to help open up the sinuses), hot tea (either standard herbal teas like lemon or peach or "remedy" teas that include things like echinacea or goldenseal) (this also helps open up the sinuses and helps the throat), getting plenty of vitamin C and vitamins, and chicken soup, and lots and lots of rest and quiet. there are some herbal remedies, other than