What to drink for colds and flu

What to take for a cold

A cold, or acute respiratory disease, occurs as a result of hypothermia of the body against the background of decreased local immunity. A weakened body easily becomes infected with a viral infection.

Table of contents:

A mild form of a cold is accompanied by a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and sometimes fever. The body can cope with the disease on its own, but to speed up the healing process you should know what to take when you have a cold.

Symptomatic treatment

Depending on the location of the source of inflammation, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and other exacerbations may develop. To prevent this, take medications to combat the following manifestations of a cold:

  1. A sore throat. Frequent rinsing with herbal decoctions or saline solution is mandatory. Among the medications, falimint, lizobact, and faringosept are effective.
  2. Runny nose. Sprays based on sea water - aquamaris, otrivin - help well and are not addictive. You can make a saline solution yourself and rinse your nose with it - 1 teaspoon of salt (preferably sea salt) per 500 ml of boiled water. These procedures help flush out mucus and infection from the nasal passages. For difficulty breathing, use vasoconstrictor drops - naphthyzin, sanorin. But you should not use them for more than 10 days. Otherwise, addiction to the action of the drug occurs.
  3. Cough. To alleviate the condition, take mucolytic agents that thin the sputum - ambroxol, bromhexine, ACC.
  4. Heat. It is recommended to lower the temperature with the help of medications when it rises above 38˚C. For these purposes, you can take paracetamol or aspirin. For children under 16 years of age, only paracetamol is indicated. Aspirin, which is based on acetylsalicylic acid, can cause serious complications at a young age, as well as in people with gastrointestinal problems.
  5. Weakness. When you have a cold, your body needs vitamins. Buy vitamin C in tablets or ampoules, which contain it in high concentrations. Consume up to 1000 mg per day.

You should know that taking antibiotics for a cold is a mistake. Because most often it is caused by viruses, and antibiotics attack bacteria. As a result, instead of recovery, there is a deterioration in the condition and indigestion, since the beneficial microflora of the body is destroyed. Bacteria can cause colds, but much less frequently. Therefore, only a doctor can prescribe antibiotics based on test results.

You should also not constantly and in large quantities take various powdered anti-cold medications, such as Theraflu or Fervex. They eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but do not cure it. They can be used as a one-time remedy when there is an urgent need for rapid improvement. The active ingredient of these medications is paracetamol. Its excessive consumption negatively affects the kidneys and liver. When the temperature rises, the body produces antibodies to the virus, and repeated use of such drugs prevents this process.

Antiviral drugs

These drugs stimulate the human immune system and block pathogens. But even their effectiveness today is not absolute. Firstly, they have not been released so long ago that side effects and the reliability of their influence can be assessed. Secondly, new strains of viruses that are resistant to existing drugs are rapidly emerging. Thirdly, recovery is often due not to the use of antiviral drugs, but to the action of one’s own immune system in combination with symptomatic therapy.

Anti-virus agents are divided into the following categories:

  • vaccines - taken before epidemics so that antibodies are developed in the body before infection;
  • immunostimulants - drugs that cause the production of interferons. Popular remedies are Kagocel, Cytovir;
  • interferon preparations – signal the body’s cells about the need to inactivate the virus, for example, viferon, intron;
  • Antiviral drugs themselves block parts of the virus, preventing its reproduction in the cells of the body. Effective agents are arbidol, zanamivir, remantadine, relena.

Antiviral drugs are most effective at the onset of the disease. The most effective of them, as a rule, have serious side effects that affect the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs. Homeopathic medicines based on herbal components are harmless, but they do not always have an effective effect on the course of the disease. Among such products, aflubin, imupret and altabor are in demand.

You should be careful with the frequent use of immunostimulating drugs to prevent diseases. Excessive activation of the immune system is just as dangerous as its insufficiency. This can lead to the development of autoimmune processes in the body - rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and others.

When choosing what to drink when you have the flu, you must strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations. The symptoms and consequences of this disease are much more serious than the common cold, so a visit to the hospital is mandatory. After the tests, the therapist will prescribe an antiviral drug that is effective against a specific type of influenza. But it is best to prevent the development of the disease and get vaccinated in advance.

Natural methods to fight colds

For the disease to progress quickly and without complications, it is not necessary to take a large number of medications. It is enough to notice the malaise in time and help your body cope with it:

  • maintain bed rest;
  • regularly ventilate the room and humidify the air to 50–70%;
  • drink plenty of warm, but not hot, liquid;
  • eat foods that are easy to digest and rich in vitamins.

Effective remedies for runny nose and cough are inhalations based on essential oils or boiled potatoes. You can breathe beneficial vapors over the pan, covered with a towel, or use a special apparatus. The first option is contraindicated for people suffering from hypertension. To improve the condition, inhalations should be carried out 1-2 times a day for at least 5 minutes.

It is useful to consume foods containing phytoncides - onions, garlic, ginger root. They can also be cut up and simply placed in the patient’s room. The volatile substances of these products disinfect the air.

At the first symptoms of malaise, while the temperature is still within normal limits, you can carry out warming procedures - put on mustard plasters, steam your feet or take a bath, stick pepper plaster on your feet. To treat rhinitis, you should warm up your sinuses as often as possible.

You can fight a cold with the following folk remedies:

1. To reduce fever, use:

  • tea with lemon, ginger, raspberries or viburnum;
  • tea or milk with honey, preferably linden. Add a tablespoon of honey to one glass of liquid;
  • cranberry or lingonberry juice.

2. To treat cough:

  • For one glass of milk put one teaspoon of honey and butter;
  • brew the breast mixture;
  • decoction of licorice or plantain root;
  • radish juice and honey. To do this, you need to cut off half the vegetable, make a hole in it and put a tablespoon of honey there. The next day, drink the resulting mixture.

3. To relieve the inflammatory process, drink herbal decoctions:

  • Brew one tablespoon of chamomile in boiling water for an hour. Drink throughout the day;
  • black elderberry extract;
  • make a mixture of black elderberry, mint and linden flowers in equal proportions. Pour one tablespoon of the mixture into 500 ml of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. The decoction should be strained and drunk 1-2 cups warm before bed;
  • mix linden flowers with raspberries and pour 500 ml of boiling water over two tablespoons of the mixture, cook for 7 minutes. Drink the strained broth at night;
  • Brew 1 teaspoon of dry basil in a glass of hot water, drink throughout the day;
  • take 20 rosehips in a glass of water, bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes under the lid, leave for a day. Drink the strained solution throughout the day.

You should not drink alcohol tinctures during a flu or cold. Although the herbs in their composition can be beneficial for the body, alcohol only weakens a person’s defenses.

It is best to prepare for cold season in advance by strengthening your body in natural ways. To do this, you need to eat right, rest, exercise and practice hardening. If it was not possible to protect yourself from the disease, treatment should be started as early as possible.

Source: http://grippe.su/chto-prinimat-pri-prostude.html

Treatment of influenza: what to take, review of effective antiviral drugs

Today, influenza therapy consists of a set of various measures aimed at eliminating signs of the disease and destroying viruses.

If you have a cold, you need to stay in bed, rinse your nose to remove the infection, gargle and drink plenty of warm liquid.

Even with the flu, it is important to follow a plant-based diet and eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.

Recently, it has been common practice to treat the problem with the help of immunomodulators, which speed up the healing process. For this purpose, you can take natural immunostimulants:

  1. purple coneflower;
  2. dog-rose fruit;
  3. Chinese lemongrass;
  4. Eleutherococcus and so on.

But it is worth noting that it is impossible to drink medicines and infusions uncontrollably for a cold, since an overdose will only worsen the functioning of the immune system.

Antiviral tablets Remantadine have proven themselves to be good. And at the initial stage, treatment may include instillation of recombinant or human leukocyte interferon into the nose for 3 days. In this case, you should take a break for 1-2 hours.

In addition, you can treat the nasal passages with oxaline ointment. And if they are blocked, then sprays and vasoconstrictor drops are used.

You need to fight the temperature only if it is above 38.5 degrees, because it affects the synthesis of endogenous interferon, thanks to which the body can fight infection. Immunomodulatory drugs, minerals and vitamins are also used to treat influenza.

Detoxification treatment is carried out using the following drugs with proven effectiveness:

Treatment

How to treat flu quickly? To remove the unpleasant symptoms of the disease, you need to take into account a combination of various factors that influence the development of the disease.

First of all, if you have the flu, you need to stay in bed. This condition is mandatory; if it is not met, then the disease will last a long time and complications may arise. Therefore, even if you take antiviral pills and engage in vigorous physical activity, a quick recovery will not occur.

Secondly, you should drink a lot of warm liquid (uzvar, tea with lemon, milk with honey, fruit juices, etc.). As you know, water removes toxins from the body, which helps to quickly overcome the disease.

In addition, the room where the patient is located must be constantly ventilated. And to prevent the spread of viral infection, it is better to use disposable napkins.

Antiviral medications for influenza are indicated to kill viruses. So, you should take Remantidine, Arbidol, Amiksin and Anaferon.

To eliminate current symptoms of flu and colds, you should take:

In addition, you should take expectorants for the flu (Gerbion, Ambroxol, Mucaltin) and instill vasodilator drugs into the nose (Evkazolin, Galazolin, Rinazolin, Tizin).

Treatment regimen

A treatment regimen refers to the sequential implementation of various procedures to eliminate symptoms and neutralize viruses. To destroy the latter, antiviral agents are taken, such as Groprinosin, Arbidol, Remantadine and Amiksin.

And at high temperatures, accompanied by muscle pain, headaches, and severe chills, doctors recommend taking antipyretic tablets (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Aspirin).

For flu and colds, the primary symptoms (sore throat, dry cough) are eliminated by various syrups and tablets (Lazolvan, Bronchial, Gerbion, Doctor Mom). These medications need to be taken 3-4 times a day. Moreover, you need to suck on the lollipops 3-6 times a day:

To relieve symptoms such as a stuffy nose, vasoconstrictors are used: Evkazolin, Naphthyzin, Tizin, Rinazolin. Drops are instilled three times a day, 1 drop into each nasal passage. If mucus is released abundantly from the nose, then it should be washed with saline solutions and preparations (Chistonos, Salin, Marimer, Humer).

Comprehensive treatment of influenza includes taking medications that strengthen the immune system. These can be vitamin-mineral complexes, Immunal or an alcohol tincture of Echinacea.

Immunal should be taken according to a specific regimen: 20 drops three times a day, washed down with warm water. The initial single dose should be 40 drops.

Then, for 2 days, you need to drink 20 drops of the medicine every hour. Next, the patient goes on an average dose not established by the doctor.

In addition, flu therapy involves gargling with herbal infusions, saline and soda solutions. In this case, physical activity cannot be carried out. If the elevated temperature does not go down for a long time, taking antibacterial agents and thermal procedures is indicated,

For colds and flu, adults do not have to go to the hospital to receive treatment, as long as they stay in bed. However, some symptoms require immediate hospitalization:

  1. development of complications;
  2. hyperthermia;
  3. disturbances in the functioning of the heart;
  4. convulsions;
  5. arterial hypotension;
  6. clouding of consciousness.

Symptomatic treatment of influenza at home involves systematically drinking copious amounts of warm liquid and taking antipyretic, antihistamine and antiviral drugs. When the temperature subsides, then it is useful to do inhalations with the addition of sage, calendula and chamomile.

At the initial stage of the disease, you need to take Remantadine, lubricate your nose with oxaline ointment and rinse it with furatsilin. Sulfonamides and antibacterial agents can be prescribed in the presence of bacterial complications and for preventive purposes to prevent the development of purulent-inflammatory chronic diseases.

In addition, if you start treating colds in the first 26 hours after the first symptoms appear, then you can significantly reduce the duration of the disease and reduce the likelihood of complications.

For therapy to be more effective, it must be comprehensive. Therefore, chemotherapy drugs should be combined with drugs of nonspecific action. The second treatment option is to use immunomodulatory drugs that have an antiviral effect, interferons and their inducers.

To quickly get rid of the disease, you need to drink a lot of warm liquid (herbal decoctions, tea, cranberry juice, milk). If you have a runny nose or cough, be sure to use disposable wipes and wash your hands with soap.

Moreover, it is necessary to take antiviral medicine and flu medicine, get plenty of rest and regularly ventilate the room.

Viral flu

The viral type of influenza is treated successfully only when the type of virus has been determined. Thus, the type A virus creates a moderate to severe epidemiological situation, for example, bird flu or swine flu.

As a rule, the type B virus does not contribute to the development of epidemics and is characterized by local outbreaks of the disease. The type C virus has not been sufficiently studied at this time. Often its symptoms are mild; this type of disease is often combined with the type A virus.

Treatment of influenza caused by viruses primarily involves eliminating viral cells. Thus, Zanamivir or Oseltamivir is an effective medicine for type A influenza.

Influenza is mainly caused by viruses A and B. Type A is the most common.

For type A influenza, the best treatment is M2 inhibitors. And neuraminidase inhibitors can eliminate the symptoms of viruses A and B.

Antiviral medications for colds and flu activate the synthesis of interferon and suppress viral enzymes. Thus, one group of agents inhibits the virus itself, and the second reduces the sensitivity of cells to viral agents.

It is worth noting that in order to prevent possible complications, it is better to start therapy for the influenza virus in a timely manner.

What medications are used for colds and flu?

The symptoms of the disease determine what medications will be prescribed by the doctor. Thus, antihistamines with proven effectiveness should be taken for watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.

Antipyretic and analgesic tablets help relieve pain in various locations and relieve fever. Decongestant medications may be prescribed for discomfort in the ears, nose, and head pressure.

To treat the flu, adults also need to take medications that have the following effects:

  • antiviral;
  • immunomodulatory;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • mucolic;
  • expectorant;
  • antitussive.

In addition, the use of interferons and interferon inducers is indicated. Antiviral drugs, in particular etiotropic drugs, kill the virus. However, the use of the latter for influenza will be ineffective.

Immunomodulatory drugs restore the body's protective functions. The main indication for the use of this group of drugs is inflammation, which is difficult to treat.

Often, for colds and flu, the doctor prescribes Adapromin, which must be taken orally after meals. At the beginning of the development of the disease, the dose of the medicine is 0.2 grams for four days.

Deutriforin is another flu medicine with proven effectiveness. It is taken before meals on the first day of symptoms of the disease, 0.1 g three times a day.

On the second and third days of therapy, Deutriforin should be taken 0.1 g 2 times a day, and on the fourth day the medicine is taken once a day, 0.1 g. It is worth noting that on the first day of illness you can take a daily dosage.

In addition, Remantadine is used to treat influenza, which will be most effective in the first days of the disease. So, on the first day of therapy, 3 times a day you need to drink 2 tablets of the drug, 100 mg each.

In this case, the daily dose can be taken in one dose (6 tablets) or in two - 2 times a day, 3 tablets. On the second and third days of illness, you should take 2 tablets (100 ml each) twice a day. On days 4-5 of therapy, take 2 tablets twice a day. The duration of such therapy is 5 days.

Moreover, for the flu, the best remedy is Ingavarin. The drug is taken 1 capsule once a day. In addition, the doctor may prescribe Immusstat, which you need to drink 200 g 2 times a day.

Moreover, you need to take a break of 6 hours between doses. The approximate duration of therapy is 3-5 days.

In addition, the doctor often prescribes Arbidol, which is taken 4 times a day, 0.2 g, two tablets before meals.

Anaferon is taken 3-6 times a day (depending on the severity of the disease), one tablet, which should be placed under the tongue. When improvement occurs, doctors recommend taking Anaferon once for 8-10 days.

Amizon is the best medicine for flu and colds with proven effectiveness.

The permissible daily dosage is 1 g, and the daily dosage is 2 g. The drug must be taken 2-4 times a day, 0.25 or 0.5 g. The duration of therapy is 5 – 7 days.

How to cure the flu at home?

Home treatment for influenza must be comprehensive. First of all, a sick person needs to adhere to bed rest, due to the fact that even minimal physical strain significantly increases the likelihood of complications.

For the body to effectively fight the virus, the patient must constantly drink warm teas and herbal decoctions. In this way, it is possible to prevent intoxication, restore water balance and improve sputum separation.

It is worth recalling that if the temperature is less than 38.5 degrees, then it cannot be brought down, because it is a kind of barrier to the spread of infection. You can safely lower the temperature at home with raspberry tea.

To prepare it, mix 1 liter. oregano, 2 liters of coltsfoot and 2 liters. raspberries, and then pour boiling water over everything and leave for 30 minutes, and then strain. Healthy tea should be taken 4 times during the day, ¼ cup. In addition, you can reduce the heat with vinegar compresses applied to the calves.

In addition, if you have a cough, warm milk mixed with still mineral water helps. To ease breathing with a stuffy nose and runny nose, vasoconstrictor sprays (Rinazolin, Evkazolin) and oil drops (Pinosol) are used.

To rinse the nose, it is recommended to use furatsilin solution and herbal decoctions. To relieve inflammation in the throat, you need to gargle it using soda-salt, alcohol solutions (Furacilin, Chlorophyllipt) diluted with water, and herbal decoctions (sage, chamomile).

At the beginning of therapy, it is necessary to take antiviral drugs (Amizon, Arbidol, Anaferon). In addition, you can significantly alleviate the symptoms with the help of honey and onion juice.

Citrus fruits, namely lemon, have a strong antioxidant effect. It destroys the virus and prevents intoxication of the body.

Antibiotics for treating influenza

Often, with acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, there is no need to take antibiotics; their use is advisable only when the inflammation occurring in the respiratory tract is caused by bacteria. Therefore, treatment of influenza with this group of drugs is carried out according to certain indications:

  1. Complicated and severe forms of the disease.
  2. Clinical manifestations of immunodeficiency.
  3. Chronic foci and exacerbation of bacterial infection (pyelonephritis, sinusitis, otitis media).
  4. Bacterial complications.
  5. Suspicion of a bacterial infection.

Bacterial complications of influenza include:

  • pneumonia;
  • obstructive acute purulent-necrotic laryngitis or laryngotracheitis;
  • bronchitis with purulent discharge;
  • Croup syndrome grade 2-4;
  • streptococcal pharyngitis, tonsillitis, lymphadenitis;
  • otitis;
  • sinusitis.

Suspicion of the presence of a bacterial infection during influenza arises if it is difficult to exclude the spread of infection: leukocytosis in the blood, severe toxicosis, asymmetry of wheezing while listening to the lungs, painful sensations in the throat, shortness of breath without manifestations of bronchial obstruction, pain in the ear, plaque on the tonsils.

When there is a suspicion of bacterial complications in infants, then the doctor prescribes treatment with antibiotics, which must be timely. But if during the observation process and after the examination the suspicion was not confirmed, then taking antibiotics should be stopped immediately.

We recommend a very interesting video in this article about the flu and its treatment methods.

Source: http://stopgripp.ru/bolezn/flu/lechenie-grippa.html

What to take for a cold

Everyone is familiar with the condition when a headache begins, the temperature rises, there is a sore throat, nasal congestion, and weakness in the body. This is a typical clinical picture of a cold or ARVI, flu. Typically, such diseases appear against the background of weakened immunity during the cool season (autumn, spring, winter). You should definitely seek medical advice when the first symptoms of a cold appear. The doctor always prescribes treatment individually, taking into account the characteristics of each patient, based on test results, objective examination data, etc.

We will consider a list of the most commonly used and prescribed medications for colds, as well as effective traditional medicine recipes.

It is important to start treatment as early as possible, this will help reduce the period of illness to a minimum and avoid complications. With properly selected therapy and maintaining immunity, the cold will subside within 5-7 days, and there will be a noticeable improvement in well-being.

Please note: even with the wide selection of over-the-counter drugs available in pharmacies, you should always consult your doctor. This rule applies to both treatment and prevention. The doctor always takes into account whether the patient has contraindications to taking a particular drug, which is also very important. Therefore, self-medication in this case can sometimes do more harm than good.

Drugs for the symptomatic treatment of colds

Their task is to eliminate the symptom of a cold, but they have no effect on the virus itself. That is, they will only help cope with headaches and muscle pain, relieve fever, eliminate nasal congestion, and relieve cough.

  • Vasoconstrictor drugs. They restore normal nasal breathing by reducing swelling of the nasal mucosa and respiratory tract. Most often, products with the active substance in the form of phenylephrine are used.
  • Painkillers. Their task is to relieve pain, which is usually expressed by myalgia and headache. Most often these are Paracetamol and Nurofen, which also relieve fever.
  • Antipyretic. Usually Paracetamol or products based on it (Rapidol, Cefekon, Efferalgan, etc.) are prescribed.
  • Antihistamines. These are antiallergic drugs that are used to reduce swelling of the mucous membranes, eliminate foci of inflammation, as well as lacrimation, burning, and itching. In the case of ARVI, doctors usually recommend antihistamines in the form of Pheniramine, Promethazine.
  • Vitamins. Vitamin C plays a special role, which increases immunity, which means it helps the body fight viruses.

Important: taking the above medications must last at least 3-5 days to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Drugs with antiviral and immunostimulating effects

Their use is justified only if the presence of a virus in the body, which caused the cold, has been confirmed in a laboratory or on the basis of an examination. Pathogenic viruses have the ability to integrate into human RNA and DNA in cells. Antiviral drugs block their activity, while preserving the cells themselves. This group of drugs is classified based on their mechanism of action:

  • M2 virus protein blockers. They are usually prescribed for the flu, and not as often as before, because today pharmacy chains can offer a huge selection of more modern drugs with less pronounced side effects. This group includes Remantadine and Amantadine.
  • Neuraminidase inhibitors. Today these are the most modern antiviral drugs that are prescribed for colds. Once in the patient’s body, they actively and effectively prevent the virus from multiplying, eliminate the typical symptoms of the disease and minimize the risk of complications. The most commonly prescribed drugs from this group are Oseltamivir and Zanamivir.

Among a number of immunostimulants for colds, interferon inducers are indicated. They combine well with various antiviral drugs indicated for colds, enhancing their effects. Interferons stimulate the production of proteins that suppress the infectious agent in the body. These same drugs are used to prevent influenza. These include Groprinosin, Kagocel, Lavomax, Cycloferon.

List of the most effective pharmaceutical remedies for colds

There are some medications that doctors prescribe most often for colds. These include:

  • Kagotse L. It copes well with the prevention and treatment of influenza, ARVI, and herpes. Approved for use by both adults and children over 3 years old.
  • Relenza . The main active ingredient is Zanamivir. This remedy works well against types of influenza virus such as A or B.
  • Grippferon . Doctors often prescribe it to patients for colds and flu. It was developed on the basis of Interferon alpha-2b and is indicated even for pregnant and nursing mothers.
  • Tamiflu . A drug created on the basis of Oseltamivir, known since last year. It is advisable to use it specifically for the H1N1 flu, and not for a simple cold, so you should definitely consult a doctor before taking it.
  • Amiksin. Its active substance is Tiloron, which effectively acts not only against acute respiratory viral infections, but also against cytomegalovirus, urogenital infections, hepatitis A and B. It is not used anywhere in the world except in the CIS countries, because there is reason to believe that it is embryotoxic.
  • Arbidol . It is used in the treatment of influenza A and B, subtypes H3N2, H2N2, H5N1, H1N1, adenovirus infection and some others. Efficacy studies were carried out only in the CIS countries; the drug is not used in Europe.

Important: you should not take antibiotics for colds, as they do not have an antiviral effect. Their use is justified only if a secondary bacterial infection occurs against the background of ARVI. At the same time, it is solely the responsibility of the doctor to prescribe them.

What to take for a cold without fever

If typical cold symptoms develop, but without fever, treatment should not be neglected. It is a misconception that at normal body temperature everything will go away on its own. The absence of low-grade fever may indicate low immune defense. If the cold has just started and there is no fever, you should steam your feet, that is, take a hot bath for your feet, rub your feet with vodka, put on socks. The use of traditional methods of treatment is allowed.

Among the medications in this case, it is advisable to use the following drugs (after medical consultation):

  • Cold drops . A stuffy nose and swollen mucous membranes bring very severe discomfort and interfere with normal breathing. In this case, drops such as Sanorin, Naphthyzin, Galazolin are prescribed, and before them, a saline solution or a solution of table salt (1 teaspoon of salt per 1 liter of water) is used to rinse the nose.
  • Remedies for sore throat . A cold can occur with or without pain and sore throat. If it is present, then use local sprays in the form of Cameton, Ingalipt, Camphomen. A number of lozenges and lozenges also have a good effect: Bronchoveda, Septolete, Faringosept.
  • Medicines with expectorant action . If there is a cough, the following remedies are indicated: Pertussin, Lazolvan, Mucaltin, Tusuprex, Althea syrup, ACC, Bromhexine, Prospan.

Please note: you should be very careful when using antitussive medications. In fact, they have very limited indications for use and can only be prescribed by the attending physician. Suppressing the cough reflex, which is how these drugs work, can cause complications in the respiratory system.

Treatment of colds with folk remedies

It is also worth considering that the patient is advised to stay home to avoid infecting others and causing a secondary infection. Optimal conditions in the room should be the following: air temperature 18-20C, humidity 60-70%, frequent ventilation, frequent wet cleaning in the room. In such conditions, the recovery process will go faster, because in moist and cool air the viruses die almost instantly. It is important to provide the patient with plenty of warm fluids.

You can also use the following traditional medicine recipes for colds:

  • Tea with lemon and honey with the addition of a few slices of ginger root will perfectly improve your well-being and give you strength.
  • Inhalations with various herbs have a positive effect on a sore throat. In particular, pine buds, eucalyptus, sage and alkaline mineral water are used. Inhalations should be carried out 2 times - in the morning and before bedtime.
  • Melted butter with honey 1:1 (adults can add 1 tablespoon of vodka) warms the throat well.
  • When coughing, they also drink warm milk with honey (but not hot, honey cannot be added to drinks whose temperature is above 50C), which has a mucolytic effect and thins sputum.
  • Gargles are indicated for sore throat pain. Usually, for this purpose, a decoction of chamomile, sage, soda or saline solution with a few drops of iodine, furatsilin and hydrogen peroxide are used. Rinsing should be done at least 5-6 times a day.
  • Garlic and onions contain natural phytoncides, which have an active antiviral effect. Therefore, you can not only use them for food, but also place cloves of garlic and chopped onions around the room.
  • It would also be a good idea to use an aroma lamp with essential oils of tea tree, lemon, mint, and lavender.

Betsik Yulia, medical columnist

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What to drink for colds and flu

Fall and winter are traditional times for the peak incidence of colds and flu. During this period, it is especially important to promptly recognize the first signs of the disease and begin its treatment. Read about what to take for colds and flu in the article on our website http://forcys.ru/article/chto_nuzhno_predprinjat_pri_prostude-80/.

What is the difference between the flu and a cold

Their symptoms are similar: nasal congestion, sore throat, weakness, fever. The difference lies in the intensity of their manifestation: if the signs of a cold appear gradually, then the flu makes itself felt instantly, and this is especially clearly evidenced by a sharply rising fever (usually above 38 degrees).

The two diseases have different origins: unlike a cold, the causative agent of influenza is a special non-cellular form - a virus. The danger of the latter is that it can mutate from season to season, giving rise to more and more new strains, against which it is difficult to find a cure.

At the beginning of the last century, influenza was not well studied, and therefore epidemics claimed the lives of millions. Currently, viruses are being actively studied by scientists, and the situation is no longer critical. However, the trend towards modification remains, as does the likelihood of developing complications as a result of the disease. The most common complications include pneumonia and problems with the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the right treatment.

Since colds and flu are caused by different pathogens, the approach to combating them may also differ. Of course, if in doubt, you should consult a doctor, but there are general recommendations that will help significantly alleviate the condition.

Recommendations on what to drink for colds and flu

To eliminate intoxication, you need to take as much warm liquid as possible: cranberry juice, linden or raspberry tea (or even regular tea with lemon). If you are worried about your temperature, it is recommended to take an antipyretic - the familiar paracetamol or aspirin. Moreover, if the increase is insignificant (at least up to 38 degrees), the body is able to cope with it on its own.

Be sure to take vitamins - preferably those found in fresh fruits (mainly citrus fruits). However, there are also specially created vitamin and mineral complexes. Eliminate heavy foods from your daily diet and replace them with light dishes: for example, chicken broth will help restore strength. Do not forget that smoking and alcohol also affect your overall well-being and only intensify all the unpleasant symptoms by poisoning the cells.

Irritation in the throat will be reduced by constant gargling with infusions of herbs (calendula, chamomile, sage). As a replacement, you can use a solution of sea salt (or regular salt with the addition of soda and iodine). For a runny nose, the same herbal infusions that need to be used to rinse the nasal passages will be effective. This will relieve swelling and inflammation. At the same time, using vasoconstrictor drops is not recommended due to possible addiction.

Forcis will help protect the body from pathogenic microorganisms. Cistus extract, which is part of it and has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, forms a special protective shell on the mucous membranes. Thanks to this, pathogens do not get inside. Forcys does not cause resistance and is suitable for prevention.

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What pills to take for a cold

Not a single cold season is complete without common colds and flu. We spend money on expensive medicines, trying to quickly get rid of all the unpleasant symptoms, forgetting about effective and inexpensive medicines. Meanwhile, there are tablets for colds that are several times cheaper than their advertised counterparts. The main thing is to understand the mechanism of action of drugs, use them competently and purposefully.

What pills to take for flu and colds

Medicines that help cope with colds, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, and influenza are divided into two groups. The first of them is intended for symptomatic treatment. Cold tablets of this group have antipyretic (aspirin), antihistamine (dibazol), analgesic, vasoconstrictor, phlegm thinning (acc) effects, and fight the following manifestations of the disease:

  • nasal congestion;
  • elevated temperature;
  • lacrimation;
  • itching;
  • muscle pain;
  • swelling of the mucous membranes.

The second group of drugs affects the immune system and the causative agent of the disease. They are prescribed only if the viral nature of the cold is detected. Tools in this category include:

  • interferon inducers;
  • viral protein blockers;
  • neuraminidase inhibitors.

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Antiviral agents

Antiviral cold medicines are not antibiotics. Their task is not to destroy the pathogen, but to destroy its protein shell, which blocks the development of the virus in the body. Antibiotics for colds are prescribed only when bacterial complications occur. Popular effective antiviral drugs:

  1. Tamiflu is a drug based on oseltamivir (azintomivir, aziltomirin). Suitable for adults and children.
  2. "Grippferon" is a complex drug based on interferon alpha-2b.
  3. "Relenza." The main active ingredient of the drug is zanamivir. Prescribed for the treatment of influenza A, B.
  4. "Ingavirin" is an effective medicine for swine flu, ARVI.
  5. "Amiksin". An analogue of the drug is “Tiloron”, “Lavomax”.
  6. "Arbidol" is a drug for the treatment of influenza A, B, subtypes H1N1, H2N2, H3N2 and H5N1.
  7. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug based on the thymidine nucleoside.
  8. "Cycloferon" is a medicine containing methylglucamine acridone acetate.

Immunomodulators

This type of medicine includes homeopathic and synthetic medicines. For colds, thymus preparations, interferons, and cytokines are prescribed:

It should be remembered that you cannot take synthetic immune modulators on your own. When prescribing them, the doctor must take into account the patient’s age, the degree of weakening of the body’s defenses, and the type of disease. In some cases, stimulation of the immune system is limited to taking vitamins or medications of natural origin (tincture of echinacea, eleutherococcus, ginger, lungwort, chicory, etc.).

List of the best drugs for treating colds in adults and children

Modern combination cold medications for simultaneous symptomatic treatment:

Tablets that help quickly get rid of cough:

For sore throat:

What can pregnant and nursing mothers drink?

Antivirals for acute respiratory viral infections are mostly contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so the main task of women becomes the prevention of colds. If you fail to protect yourself from the disease, then you have to choose safe medications that help reduce high fever, cope with cough, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. For fever, it is best to take paracetamol. This medicine has both antipyretic and analgesic effects. Analogues of Paracetamol - Panadol, Efferalgan.

Tablets based on lysozyme (a natural enzyme) - “Laripront”, “Lizobact” - will be safe (according to the instructions!) for pregnant and lactating mothers for sore throat medications. Tablets for colds accompanied by a severe cough will be “Lazolvan”, “ACC” (powder), “Coldrex broncho” (syrup). Homeopathic Oscillococcinum, Anaferon, Aflubin are also allowed. In any case, taking medications must be coordinated with a doctor, who will make a final verdict in favor or prohibition of any medication.

What medicines are inexpensive but effective for preventing colds?

Pharmaceutical companies offer a huge range of cold tablets, for which it is easy to find cheap analogues. For example, most combination drugs for symptomatic treatment include paracetamol, which tops the rating of cold tablets. You can take it at the beginning of the disease. Fast-acting effervescent aspirin can be successfully replaced by inexpensive acetylsalicylic acid, and interferon, which is included in antiviral drugs, can easily be found in pharmacies as an independent medicine for the prevention of influenza.

For this purpose, it is worth using oxolinic ointment, an inexpensive tincture of Eleutherococcus or Rhodiola rosea, and ascorbic acid. The expensive "Immunal" will be replaced by echinacea tincture, "Nurofen" - "Ibuprofen", "Lazolvan" and "Ambrobene" - "Ambroxol", "Mukaltin", cough tablets. Gargling with furatsilin tablets will help, like Strepsils or Grammidin.

Find out what cold medicines there are for adults and children.

Feedback on results after use

Marina, 30 years old: I simply don’t know a better medicine for acute respiratory infections than the powerful Cycloferon. Works great against viral infections in five to six days! I bought the notorious “Coldrex”, “Teraflu” and other newfangled drugs, but paracetamol is much more effective and cheaper! I recommend everyone to take our domestic analogues of expensive imported tablets and not overpay money in vain.

Irina, 36 years old: I caught a cold once at a conference where I had to give a report. Runny nose, fever - just a nightmare. I asked the pharmacy to choose something effective, they advised me “Rinicold”. I took a pill at night and then in the morning. All the symptoms disappeared! It was easy to perform, the nose was not red in the photo. So the tablets are excellent, but you need to take them according to the schedule, every 4 hours.

Dmitry, 56 years old: Do not buy expensive imported tablets for colds. Instead, take a package of paracetamol, echinacea and ascorbic acid from the pharmacy. They are precisely the ones that are part of all collaterals. To avoid getting sick, use oxolinic ointment and interferon, and take aspirin for fever. Don’t be tempted by trendy names; at the first sign of inflammation, drink Ibuprofen and Paracetamol.

The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

Source: http://sovets.net/5292-tabletki-ot-prostudy.html

Anti-flu and cold medications

Cold and flu medicines: a list of the best quick-acting remedies

Every year during seasonal temperature fluctuations, people suffer from many unpleasant symptoms caused by colds.

In pharmacy chains, the range of antiviral drugs is simply overwhelming in its diversity.

Medicines differ not only in price, but also in their principle of action, release form, and composition.

Naturally, you shouldn’t voluntarily prescribe medications for colds, but in order to get a little insight into such remedies, you should read the proposed article. A list of cold medicines will help you understand the characteristics of each drug.

Arbidol, Theraflu, Anaferon

Arbidol is a film-coated anti-virus tablet. Their main active ingredient is umifenovir, auxiliary: potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose. The remedy is indicated for:

  1. acute respiratory disease (ARI);
  2. severe respiratory syndrome;
  3. influenza type B, A,

The medicine may well become part of complex therapy in the treatment of pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. Much less often, it is recommended for the prevention of health problems after surgery in order to strengthen the immune system.

Fast-acting tablets for colds and flu. They will help improve the patient’s condition the very next day after the start of treatment.

Arbidol has no contraindications. The only caveat when using it: cannot be used for children under 3 years of age. Children under 12 years of age are given 1 tablet per day, and 2 tablets for adults and children over 12 years of age.

This cold remedy is not prescribed to healthy patients for prophylactic purposes.

It needs to be diluted with hot boiled water. The main active ingredient is paracetamol. The excipients were pheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride.

This is a new generation cold remedy. It can relieve illness and runny nose in just a day, but subject to strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions and bed rest. Theraflu is characterized by the following actions:

The powder should not be taken together with beta-blockers and antidepressants. Theraflu should not be prescribed to patients with diabetes mellitus, pregnant or lactating women, people suffering from alcoholism, or children under 12 years of age.

The medicine is fast-acting, but it is better to use it carefully. This is relevant if the patient suffers from arterial hypertension, severe impairment of the kidneys and liver.

Tablets for colds and flu contain antibodies that activate the functioning of the human immune system. The drug is recommended for the treatment of children over 12 years of age and adult patients. A special product, Anaferon for Children, is produced for children. It can be used from 1 year of age.

You should know that this medicine is not only against viruses, but also to strengthen the immune system during seasonal fluctuations in air temperature. It helps treat mild herpes virus infections well.

Cold medicine Anaferon:

  1. acts quickly;
  2. has no contraindications;
  3. does not cause adverse reactions.

The drug should be discarded only if there is an individual intolerance to any of its components. In extremely rare cases, a skin rash may occur.

Kagocel, Coldrex, Antigrippin

Kagocel is the best fast-acting remedy against colds. Not suitable for children under 3 years of age, pregnant women and during lactation. You should not take pills if you are hypersensitive.

Preparations of this type are good to use to get rid of a runny nose, herpes, flu, and acute viral infection. Kagocel is also suitable for the prevention of these ailments.

To avoid getting sick in the autumn, it is enough to take 1 tablet every day for a week. If the cold has already begun, you should take 2 pieces three times a day in the first few days. Children are given 1 tablet.

Provided that the patient strictly follows the doctor’s instructions and strictly adheres to the instructions for use, the possibility of developing adverse reactions in the body is negligible. When the patient notices the development of an allergy, you need to stop taking the medication and consult a doctor to replace it.

This cold remedy comes in powder form. It should be diluted with boiling water and drunk hot. The drug Coldrex is characterized by a powerful antiviral effect and helps to cope with the symptoms of ARVI. The list of symptoms, in addition to a runny nose, included:

  • headache;
  • nasal congestion;
  • increased body temperature;
  • aching joints;
  • discomfort in the throat.

Coldrex is no less effective against a runny nose. The powder is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women who have a cold, severe liver dysfunction, diabetes, heart problems, or closed-angle glaucoma.

Adults should take 1 packet every 4 hours for colds and flu in the first days of illness. As soon as the symptoms of the disease stop, there is no need to use the powder. The maximum course of therapy should not exceed 5 consecutive days.

If an overdose occurs, the patient risks severe liver damage. In addition, long-term use of the drug increases the chance of developing side effects, for example, disturbances in night sleep, increased blood pressure, attacks of nausea, and headaches.

You should refrain from treatment with Coldrex without first consulting your doctor.

Another drug against viruses is Antigrippin. It is believed that the medicine is the best and helps against runny nose and colds quickly and effectively. The product is produced in tablet form, like many similar drugs. It is prescribed to patients over 15 years of age.

This medicine will not help with a bacterial infection. It should be taken 1 piece 2-3 times a day until the patient feels better.

Antigrippin should not be taken by children with hypersensitivity to vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and paracetamol. It is also prohibited for the following violations:

  1. renal failure;
  2. phenylketonuria;
  3. prostatic hyperplasia.

Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. It is prescribed with extreme caution to patients with viral hepatitis, alcohol dependence, and the elderly.

Fervex, Amiksin, Ingavirin

There are medications that instantly help with colds. Fervex powder is usually classified as such. It will be no less effective for the disease rhinopharyngitis.

The powder can be taken in combination with other anti-flu medications. If the phase of the disease is acute, it is recommended to take 1 packet three times a day. During therapy, a gap of at least 4 hours should be maintained between use.

The drug should not be taken by sick people suffering from renal failure or excessive sensitivity to its individual components. During pregnancy, it is allowed only from the second trimester.

As for the lactation period, some components of the product may pass into breast milk. For this reason, it is better to avoid Fervex at this time.

Cold medicine should not be combined with products containing alcohol. This can cause severe liver damage. Sometimes patients complain of the development of adverse reactions:

  • nausea;
  • pain in the abdominal cavity;
  • gagging;
  • dizziness.

It is extremely rare that allergic reactions may occur, such as skin itching or rashes.

This anti-virus agent has an immunomodulatory effect. It is produced in the form of tablets, the main active ingredient is tilaxin. Auxiliary components: croscarmellose sodium, calcium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.

The tablets combine well with other drugs against viruses and influenza. During seasonal temperature fluctuations they can be used to prevent ARVI (in adults and children).

For adult patients with flu and colds, it is enough to take 1 tablet once a day for 3 days. For prevention, take 1 piece. The drug cannot be prescribed to patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, during pregnancy or lactation.

Cold and flu medications under this name are produced in capsule form. Ingavirin helps quickly and efficiently. Fever, headache, discomfort in the throat, body aches disappear within a day after taking the product.

It is not recommended for use by patients under 18 years of age. The main active ingredient is vitaglutam, auxiliary components are potato starch, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide.

Capsules are prescribed to be taken once a day, regardless of meals. Usually the total course of treatment does not exceed 5-7 days. Therapy is started immediately after the first symptoms of the disease, for example, a runny nose. When treatment is delayed, the drug, like other drugs, begins to work less effectively.

So, if the first capsule was drunk a few days after the onset of the disease, the result will not come quickly.

Viferon, Anvimax, Grippferon

Many of the cold remedies and runny nose medications discussed above are not always approved for expectant and young nursing mothers and children. Therefore, the treatment of colds, runny nose, and acute respiratory viral infections in these patients cannot be done without the drug Viferon.

Suppositories are perhaps the fastest way to treat viral ailments. They have no contraindications, except for the first trimester of pregnancy. This effective medicine helps relieve symptoms during colds and flu.

Viferon copes better with acute respiratory infections than tablets and other drugs. Adult patients are prescribed 1 suppository three times a day. For children over one year of age, the dosage is reduced to 1 suppository per day. And it should be noted that this is an extreme treatment for ARVI and influenza at home

There are usually no side effects for those who have used cold and flu remedies in suppositories. Allergic rashes and skin itching occur only in particularly extreme cases. If this happens, treatment is canceled and other drugs against the common cold and viruses are used. The list of permitted means is very extensive.

Anvimax cold and flu remedy is available in powder form. It is necessary for symptomatic therapy; it is not able to influence the root cause of the disease. Includes:

Patients with excessive sensitivity to these components should use such medications against runny nose and other symptoms of a cold with extreme caution. Powder is the best remedy among the rest. Anvimax is a fast-acting drug that relieves body temperature, headaches, aches and sore throat. If used correctly, the medicine helps to overcome the disease in a short time.

The powder should not be prescribed to patients under 18 years of age, people with renal failure, sarcoidosis, chronic alcohol dependence, hypercalcemia, phenylketonuria.

Like many other cold medicines, Anvimax cannot be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Take the powder strictly according to the instructions. During an exacerbation of symptoms, you need to drink 1 packet 2 to 3 times a day. On average, the course should not be longer than 5 days in a row.

Grippferon is a good interferon-based medicine that helps fight viruses. It is also characterized by an immunomodulatory effect on the body.

The medication is approved for the treatment of pregnant women and children under one year of age. The only contraindication is intolerance to individual components. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

The named tablets and other drugs are not a complete list of effective drugs. Flu medications should be selected on an individual basis. However, even in this case, the development of adverse reactions cannot be avoided. Therefore, the treatment process must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, which is discussed in detail in the video in this article.

Information: effective antiviral drugs for influenza

Antiviral drugs for influenza help the body quickly defeat the disease by increasing the synthesis of interferon. Experts advise taking antiviral medications for the flu, because in this way you can quickly kill the causative agent of the problem and save a person from possible complications.

Why should you use antiviral drugs?

If a person’s body is completely healthy, then he can overcome the flu or a cold without additional help. If a person’s immunity is strong, the disease will occur in a fairly mild form. Otherwise, it is necessary to use antiviral medications, because a weak immune system can lead to serious complications after the flu.

Using an antiviral agent, you can speed up the recovery process and reduce the duration of the disease to 3 or 5 days. At the same time, the risk of quite serious complications is reduced several times. It is worth noting that medications of this type will be effective only at the early stage of the disease. You should start taking medications immediately after you notice the first signs of the flu, because later they will not bring any positive results.

Medicines that use interferon

Interferons are special proteins that every cell of the human body begins to produce when a virus penetrates it. Thanks to this substance, you can easily stop the development of pathogenic flora, and then the person does not get sick. Sometimes the body cannot independently produce the required amount of this substance, so for the flu you need to take antiviral drugs that contain a sufficient amount of interferon.

Most often, experts prescribe for the treatment of influenza:

Cycloferon is one of the interferon inducers, which has an antiviral and immunomodulatory effect on the body of a sick person. This drug is often used not only against the flu, but also to treat colds or ARVI. The medicine is available in tablets, and can be taken after 4 years. The essence of the work of cycloferon is very simple: it affects the induction of alpha and beta interferons, which makes the cells of the human body immune to the influenza pathogen.

Kipferon also kills viruses and improves the functioning of the immune system. Thanks to the effects of this drug, you can quickly and easily remove the inflammatory processes that occur during the flu. Kipferon is sold only in the form of suppositories and is often used to treat influenza, ARVI, colds, intestinal, and adenoviral infections. Kipferon allows you to increase the body's immune defense several times, thanks to its effect on the induction of interferon. Accordingly, the development of viruses stops, and then they die.

Viferon is a medicine that is one of the complex antiviral drugs that treat influenza, colds, herpetic or hepatic infections. You can buy Viferon in the form of suppositories, gel or ointment. The action of the drug is that it suppresses the influence of viruses and at the same time activates the human immune system. Such drugs can be used for influenza not only by adults, but also by children.

Direct acting antiviral drugs

Drugs of this type act directly on the virus that provokes the development of influenza. As a result, the viral shell does not merge in the cells of the human body. At the same time, direct-acting drugs provoke additional production of interferon in the human body.

Most often, the following direct-acting drugs are used for treatment:

Ingavirin is a modern antiviral agent that contains vitaglutam. The medicine cures group A and B influenza and kills adenoviral infections. At the same time, this medicine stimulates the immune system and stops the development of inflammatory processes. As a rule, Ingavarin is prescribed in the presence of influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, and parainfluenza. You should not take the medicine under 18 years of age, in pregnant women, during lactation, or if you have hypersensitivity to certain components of the product.

Rimantadine is used not only for treatment, but also for prophylactic medication. As a rule, only group A influenza is treated with it. It cannot be used during pregnancy or to treat children under 7 years of age. Taking Rimantadine is contraindicated if there are any specific problems with the kidneys or liver.

Tamiflu is a modern drug that appeared on pharmacy shelves quite recently. They are used to treat influenza of groups A and B. At the same time, Tamiflu will not bring any effect if it is used to treat a cold or acute respiratory viral infection. Due to the fact that the drug has an incredibly high level of toxicity, it is not used as a prophylaxis. You should not use the drug for a very long time, because it can cause problems with the kidneys or cause a mental disorder.

Immunostimulating agents for influenza

Such medications are aimed at quickly and safely strengthening the immunity of a person who has the flu:

Tiloron is a synthetically derived interferon inducer. The drug tablets are very effective in the treatment of influenza, colds, acute respiratory viral infections, and viral encephalomyelitis. Even if we take into account the toxicity of Tiloron, it is still used as a prophylaxis. At the same time, medications should not be used to treat children under 7 years of age, pregnant women, or during breastfeeding.

Kagocel was invented relatively recently, and it stimulates additional interferon production quite well. The product is effective for treating all strains of influenza, colds or acute respiratory viral infections. In order to obtain the desired treatment result, it is necessary to take the drug on the first day after the disease appears. You should not use Kagocel tablets to treat pregnant women or children under 3 years of age.

Cytovir 3 has a complex effect on the human body; it is actively used for the rapid production of interferon in cells. Used to treat ARVI and influenza at the initial stage of disease development. At the same time, such an effective remedy as Cytovir 3 cannot be used in the form of syrup to treat children under 1 year old, or in the form of capsules - up to 6 years old. The drug is contraindicated in pregnant women and during lactation.

Plant-based anti-virus products

This plant enhances the natural production of interferon, the activity of influenza viruses very quickly begins to be suppressed.

To date, experts have proven that some medicinal herbs can destroy viruses. On their basis, medicines were created that are intended to treat influenza, ARVI, and colds, and at the same time they are completely safe and do not harm the body of a sick person. At the same time, it is very important to monitor the condition of the body so that if an allergic reaction occurs, stop treatment with such medications in a timely manner.

The following herbal antiviral agents are most often used to treat influenza:

Albator contains a large number of alder fruits.

At the same time, Albator is capable of killing many other bacteria. You should not take this drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In addition, scientists do not have any information about the effect of Albator on the children's body.

The remaining medicines have almost the same composition, and are based on extracts of herbs such as turf pike and ground reed grass. With the help of these drugs you can inhibit the enzymes that produce viruses. Accordingly, viruses stop reproducing and soon die.

Influenza is a serious illness that must be treated with antiviral medications. There is no need to self-medicate and it is better to contact a specialist, he will help you choose the right medicine as accurately as possible that would not harm your weakened body.

Fast-acting antiviral agents

A cold can strike each of us when it is completely unacceptable to get sick. When you need to be as focused and full of energy as possible, your nose suddenly starts running and your throat feels sore. They are followed by sneezing and coughing, accompanied by weakness and high fever. In this situation, urgent measures are required. A quick-acting cold remedy will get you back on your feet in time.

How to quickly cure a cold at home

The key to quick healing is to take all necessary measures at the first alarm bell. If the illness occurs for an obvious reason, due to inattention to the immune system or hypothermia, and the symptoms are not a manifestation of the influenza virus, then you can use the following home treatment tips and quick-acting cold remedies.

  1. Take your temperature. If the mark on the scale has not reached 38 degrees, then you should not take antipyretics for a cold.
  2. Vitamin C. At the beginning of the disease, a large dose of ascorbic acid will effectively help the body with a cold for a speedy recovery. The best option would be an effervescent vitamin - it is absorbed faster and warms. Five oranges a day will be a natural alternative to pills or capsules and will help treat colds.
  3. Drink a lot of water, tea, compotes, fruit drinks. They must be warm, this will help remove toxins, which is important for colds.
  4. Get as much sleep as possible. After drinking a warm drink and crawling under the covers, wearing warm socks and clothes, get as much sleep as possible. Sweating while sleeping is an important part of recovering from a cold. It is better to observe bed rest while in hospital. The room should be frequently ventilated.
  5. Stay warm. If there is no high temperature, then you can steam your feet and take a hot shower.
  6. Take your vitamins. Such support will be useful for the body during colds. It is best if he gets it from fruits, but if this is not possible, they should be replaced with pills from the pharmacy.
  7. Medicines to treat colds. Quick-acting cold remedies sold in the form of diluted teas and powders that should be poured into hot water are suitable. It is permissible to consume three or four of these sachets during the day, but the course should not last more than three days. Powders for colds with Paracetamol reduce fever, eliminate chills, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Immunostimulating medications will help in treatment. Antiviral medications for colds and flu help kill the infection. If the disease drags on, switch to antibiotic injections.
  8. Remedies for runny nose, cough and sore throat. If your palate hurts, you can choose either lollipops or mixtures, rinses and sprays. Drops will help you cope with a runny nose, among which it is better to choose not powerful vasoconstrictors, but medicines containing herbs. A sea salt solution will be useful for rinsing the nose. A cold often does not produce sputum, so regular cough suppressants will suffice. If phlegm does appear in the bronchi, you should use a means to remove it.
  9. Fluid intake. Warm tea, compote or juice promotes sweating and recovery, while removing toxins that prevent the body from fighting a cold. Plain water will not be the best remedy, and carbonated drinks will not help your recovery. You should drink as much as you feel necessary, without overpowering yourself.
  10. Vodka. Alcohol should be warmed up a little and rubbed all over the body. This remedy will help quickly relieve high fever.

List of the best new generation flu and cold medicines

Today, several classes of drugs are recommended:

  1. “Arbidol”, “Ozeltamivir”, “Amiksin”, “Viferon”, “Ocillococcinum”, “Ingavirin”, “Kagocel”, “Anaferon” (antiviral).
  2. “Theraflu”, “Coldrex”, “Fervex”, “Antigrippin”, “Grippferon”, “Anvimax” (antipyretic and sore throat, against influenza and ARVI)
  3. "Acetylcysteine", "Ambroxol", "Bromhexine", "Carbocysteine" (expectorants)
  4. “Butamirate”, “Glaucin”, “Prenoxdiazine”, “Levodropropizine” (drugs for dry cough).
  5. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin (antipyretics).
  6. Drops based on xylometazoline, naphazoline (vasoconstrictor for a runny nose).

Review of fast-acting remedies for colds on the lips

Colds that occur on the lips are often herpes - the Herpes Simplex virus, which affects 95 percent of the world's population. Once in the body, it exists unnoticed and “turns on” when the human body is weakened by hypothermia, lack of vitamins, nutrients or other diseases. There are many effective ointments to combat herpes. These products should be applied to areas of the lips affected by colds several times a day, the course should not exceed 5 days.

You should not use your fingers when applying the product due to the risk of transferring the virus to another place. Among the common names of ointments for colds, the best ones include “Acyclovir”, “Gerpferon”, “Zovirax”, “Gerpevir”. The main active substance in them is acyclovir, which prevents the multiplication of the virus. Tromantadine-based ointments are available, such as Viru-Merz.

What antiviral drugs can children take?

If a child exhibits symptoms of ARVI and if for some reason a doctor is unavailable, measures should be taken to combat the disease in order to prevent complications. If, after all the simple remedies have been tried, the disease does not recede, you will have to resort to antiviral drugs, but only those that are specifically intended for children. Tamiflu, Remantadine, Relenza, Amantadine are considered acceptable.

If bronchitis occurs in infants, then Ribavirin will help, and if the child’s body is weakened or has heart problems, Synagis will be the best choice. Tamiflu is acceptable for use by children over the age of one year, and Arbidol flu tablets can be given from three years of age. “Interferon” for solution is used at any age, as well as homeopathic drugs such as “Aflubin”, “Anaferon”, “Oscillococcinum”. To lower body temperature, Paracetamol or Nurofen and Ibuprofen syrups are suitable.

Effective folk remedies and herbs

  1. Blackberry tea. Grind dried blackberry leaves (1 tbsp), pour boiling water over them, strain after a couple of hours. Drink 30 minutes before eating. A good cough suppressant.
  2. Herbs (cough remedy). One tablespoon of wild strawberry leaves, raspberries, three tablespoons of blackberry leaves, dry crushed tricolor violet (1 tsp). All this needs to be mixed, use a tablespoon of the composition per glass of boiling water, let it brew covered for half an hour, strain. Reception: a glass a couple of times a day.
  3. Potato. This vegetable will help bring down the temperature. Grate two raw potatoes and mix with a tablespoon of vinegar (apple vinegar). Use the mixture to make compresses on the forehead.
  4. Viburnum and honey. A mild remedy for colds and runny nose. Mix one tablespoon of viburnum juice and honey, take half an hour before meals.
  5. Nettle, sage and lemongrass. The herbal tea is good for colds and flu. Mix dry crushed nettle leaves (3 tbsp), the same amount of schisandra chinensis shoots and sage (1 tbsp). Pour a teaspoon of the composition into a glass of boiling water, strain after a couple of hours. Reception: one glass in the morning and evening. If desired, you can add honey.

What is an inexpensive and effective remedy for preventing colds?

Very often, a cold in an adult occurs as a result of a weakened immune system. Exposure to external factors, poor nutrition, and lack of vitamins can lead to a loss of effectiveness of the immune system and increase the likelihood of infections entering the body. To avoid this, interferon inducers can be used. They will ensure the production of natural defenses by the body, which will allow it to successfully resist colds. This type of drugs includes:

The body needs vitamin support. To prevent colds, Vetoron, Gerimax, and Aevit will help. Preparations that help cope with the effects of the external environment - adaptogens - include extracts of lemongrass, eleutherococcus, and leuzea. Immunomodulators, such as Bioaron S, Immunal, Likopid, will help restore the strength of the immune system and will be useful for the prevention of colds and flu.

Antiviral medications used to prevent colds will help give the body additional strength in the fight against pathogens. The best are “Grippferon”, “Viferon”, “Arbidol”, “Amiksin”. Don't forget about honey and vitamin C - they will prevent the development of a cold. Echinacea is a cheap, simple preventative. Get more rest, give up cigarettes and don’t forget to take seasonal vitamins.

Video: what to do at the first sign of a cold

Antiviral drugs for colds

Antiviral drugs for colds are the main remedy in the fight against this category of ailments.

As you know, during the period of intensification of colds, it is better to prevent them, and not to bring them to a state where treatment is already necessary. Activating your immune system during the cold season is the most effective measure to protect yourself from colds. Then the disease will not develop, or at least the situation will not become severe.

If the disease is of a viral nature - acute respiratory viral disease (ARVI) - then treatment is indispensable. And the best way to deal with the problem in this case is antiviral drugs. The essence of their action is their impact on the virus itself, which is the etiological factor.

Antiviral drugs are used to treat ARVI and influenza. These medications affect the replication of the virus in such a way as to stop it from multiplying. Antiviral drugs have a synthetic or natural base. They are used both in the fight against the disease and for its prevention. Different stages of a cold may be affected by antiviral drugs. Today, modern science knows about five hundred causative agents of different types of colds. There are few antiviral drugs to combat them.

Basically, viral diseases are treated with three types of drugs:

  • broad spectrum flu medications;
  • drugs to treat herpes infections.
  • means to combat cytomegalovirus.

In case of a severe form of the disease, antiviral drugs are taken; in case of a mild form, the use of interferons is permissible. Within a day and a half after the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to urgently start taking an antiviral drug. If the virus is allowed to multiply to such a scale that it colonizes the entire body, then it can be reached to the point that taking medications will not have any effect.

Effect of antiviral drugs for colds

With the help of antiviral drugs, the causes of the occurrence and development of acute respiratory disease are eliminated. The results of this action are:

  • reducing the risks of exacerbations of chronic diseases (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.);
  • reducing the duration of a cold by several days, alleviating its symptoms;
  • reducing the risk that severe complications will develop after suffering an acute respiratory illness.

Antiviral drugs for colds are also used as emergency prevention when one of the family members is sick and the risk of infection to healthy people needs to be reduced.

Antiviral tablets for colds

In the class of synthetic antiviral drugs that work well against the influenza virus, there are two groups of effective drugs. The essence of the action of M-channel blockers is to block the virus so that it cannot penetrate cells and multiply. Some of the proven drugs against viruses in this category are “Amantadine” (“Midantan”), as well as “Rimantadine” (“Remantadine”). For the desired effect, they must be taken as soon as the disease begins to manifest itself. Another drawback is that it is not always possible to understand what kind of virus a person has fallen ill with. And these antiviral drugs are indicated during an epidemic against the influenza A virus. In addition, bird and swine flu are resistant to them. It is important to remember that taking an antiviral drug for a cold should be done not only by the sick person himself, but also by all members of his family.

An effective antiviral remedy for colds

But neuraminidase inhibitors act on influenza A and B viruses. The essence of their action is to suppress the enzyme that is responsible for the reproduction of the virus. Representatives of this group of drugs are Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza). You can start taking them within two days from the initial manifestations of the disease.

List of antiviral drugs for colds

  • "Tamiflu";
  • "Relenza";
  • "Grippferon";
  • "Anaferon";
  • "Amiksin";
  • "Kagocel";
  • "Remantadine";
  • "Viferon";
  • "Arbidol";
  • "Ribavirin";
  • "Amizon";
  • "Cycloferon".

Antiviral drug for colds "Zanamivir"

Zanamivir is prescribed for influenza in adults and children over 5 years of age, 5 mg inhalation twice a day for 5 days. The total daily dose reaches 10 mg. The drug is not combined with other inhaled drugs (including bronchodilators), due to the fact that exacerbations are possible in patients with bronchial asthma and other nonspecific lung diseases. A number of people without pulmonary pathology may experience signs of irritation of the nasopharynx, which in rare cases reaches the appearance of bronchospasm.

Antiviral drug for colds "Ozeltamivir"

For influenza for adults and children over 12 years of age, the recommended dose of Oseltamivir is 75 mg 2 times a day for at least 5 days. Oseltamivir is prescribed to children over 1 year old - with a body weight of less than 15 kg - 30 mg, from 15 to 23 kg - 45 mg, from 23 to 40 kg - 60 mg, over 40 kg - 75 mg twice a day for five days.

The drug is prescribed with caution in case of renal failure; it may cause nausea and vomiting when taken.

Antiviral drugs for colds with a wider spectrum of action are “Ribavirin” (“Ribarin”) and “Inosin Pranobex” (“Groprinosin”).

Antiviral drug for colds "Ribavirin"

"Ribavirin" acts on influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, rhinoviruses. A special feature of the drug is its high toxicity, so it is used only if respiratory syncytial infection is confirmed, which often leads to bronchiolitis in children.

Ribavirin is used to treat influenza in adults over 18 years of age (200 mg 3-4 times a day with meals for 5-7 days) in the absence of pregnancy, renal failure and hemolytic anemia.

Antiviral drug for colds "Inosine pranobex"

"Inosine pranobex" fights influenza viruses, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses. This antiviral drug for colds stimulates the human body's defenses. For the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, it is recommended to take it: adults, 2 tablets 3-4 times a day at regular intervals for 5-7 days; For children, the daily dose is 50 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Take the daily dose in 3-4 doses at equal intervals. The duration of treatment is 5–7 days.

Interferons and interferon inducers

Another large group of antiviral drugs for colds are interferons and interferon inducers. Interferons are protein substances that the body synthesizes as a response to infection, making the body more resistant to viruses. They have a wide spectrum of action, which makes them stand out from many other synthetic drugs. But some experts argue that they are not very effective for ARVI. In case of colds, they are prescribed as nasal drops and rectal suppositories. Native leukocyte interferon is instilled four to six times a day, Reaferon (interferon alfa-2a) two drops two to four times a day. Viferon (alpha-2b interferon) usually comes as suppositories; adults usually use Viferon 3 and 4.

There are also interferon inducers. These are drugs that stimulate the body to produce its own interferons. Colds are treated with Tiloron (Amiksin), Meglumina acridone acetate (Cycloferon) and a number of other antiviral drugs for colds.

Antiviral drug for colds "Amiksin"

For the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections, Amiksin is prescribed orally after meals, two tablets of 0.125 g for adults and 0.06 g for children over 7 years of age on the first day of illness and then 1 tablet every other day.

For a course of treatment - up to 6 tablets. Contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 7 years of age.

Antiviral drug for colds "Cycloferon"

"Cycloferon" is used for the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections in the form of intramuscular injections at a dose of 250 mg (12.5% ​​2 ml) two days in a row, then every other day or 1 tablet 0.15 g every other day for 20 days.

Antiviral drug for colds "Kagocel"

"Kagocel" is an interferon inducer with direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

It is usually prescribed for influenza and acute respiratory infections in adults, 2 tablets 3 times a day in the first two days (daily dose is 72 mg), then 1 tablet 3 times a day (daily dose 36 mg). In total, a 4-day course contains up to 18 tablets.

Antiviral drug for colds "Arbidol"

An antiviral drug such as Arbidol is effective in treating colds. It acts against viruses A, B, and also treats parainfluenza, syncytial infections, and adenoviruses. The essence of the drug’s action is to stimulate the production of endogenous interferon; it has an antioxidant effect and strengthens the immune system.

Arbidol for colds without complications is prescribed: children from 3 to 6 years old - 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old and adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days. With the development of complications (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.), children from 3 to 6 years old take Arbidol 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old, adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours ) for 5 days, then a single dose once a week for a month.

Antiviral drug for colds "Amizon"

The antiviral drug for colds "Amizon" is an inducer of endogenous interferon and has antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Adults take Amizon 2-4 times a day after meals for moderate influenza and acute respiratory infections, 0.25 g, for severe cases - 0.5 g for 5-7 days; The course dose of treatment is 3–6.5 g. Children aged 6–12 years drink 0.125 g 2–3 times a day for 5–7 days.

Antiviral drug for colds "Anaferon"

"Anaferon" refers to homeopathic remedies with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. It is also used to treat colds and flu. Directions for use for adults: 1 tablet, sublingually from three to six times a day, depending on the severity of the disease.

Treatment begins at the first respiratory symptoms. After improvement of the condition, it is recommended to switch to taking the drug once a day for 8-10 days. For children from six months to three years old, dissolve one tablet in 15 ml of water and give it to drink. For prophylaxis, Anaferon is prescribed one tablet once a day for one to three months.

Antiviral drug for colds "Grippferon"

"Grippferon" is an immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drug for intranasal use. The duration of the course of use and dose of the drug "Grippferon" is usually determined by the attending physician.

The recommended dose for children under 1 year of age is 500 IU (1 drop of the drug) 5 times a day; for children from 1 to 3 years old is 1000 IU (2 drops of Grippferon) 3-4 times a day; from 3 to 14 years old is 1000 IU (2 drops of the drug “Grippferon”) 4-5 times a day. The recommended dose for adults is 1500 IU (3 drops) 5-6 times a day. The duration of the course of application is 5 days.

Herbal antiviral drugs for colds

Some medicinal herbs also have antiviral effects. The action of many herbal preparations is directed against viruses belonging to the herpes family. Colds are often accompanied by herpetic rashes, in addition, the course of cytomegalovirus infection also often occurs with the same symptoms as ARVI. Alpizarin belongs to this category of drugs. The active ingredient in it is an extract of plants such as alpine kopek, yellow kopek, and mango leaves. The antiviral drug "Flacozide" contains an active substance that is obtained from Amur velvet and Laval velvet. For external use, use the ointments “Megozin” (cottonseed oil), “Helepin” (aerial part of Lespedeza kopecky), “Gossypol” (obtained when cotton seeds or cotton roots are processed).

Antiviral drugs that are used for colds also include Altabor. It is based on an extract of gray and black (sticky) alder fruits.

Turf pike and ground reed grass give life to the drug “Proteflazid”; it is also used in the treatment of colds, flu and for their prevention. The German drug “Imupret” has an antiviral and immunomodulatory effect. It contains horsetail, walnut leaves and oak bark.

Price of antiviral drugs for colds

The price range for antiviral drugs for colds is quite wide - from 20 to 200 hryvnia (of course, it still depends on the packaging and the number of tablets). In any case, it is better to consult with your doctor, who will prescribe the drug that will be most effective in a particular case.

If we name the approximate prices for the main antiviral drugs used to treat colds, in Ukrainian pharmacies they are: “Amizon” - from 20 UAH, “Arbidol” - from 50 UAH, “Amiksin” - from 30 UAH, “Anaferon” - from 40 UAH, "Remantadine" - from 11 UAH, "Kagocel" from 70 UAH, "Viferon" - from 70 UAH - from 110 UAH.

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds, which are often prescribed by doctors and are widely used - “Amizon”, “Amiksin”, “Anaferon”. Zagriven can be purchased in 10 tablets. But once again, please note: before deciding to purchase an antiviral drug for a cold, you should consult with your doctor.

With the help of antiviral drugs, it is not the consequence, but the cause of the cold that is eliminated. This is a great advantage of antiviral drugs in the treatment of colds, and this also explains their effectiveness. Antiviral drugs shorten the duration of a cold by two to three days and make it easier. Due to the use of antiviral drugs for colds, the risk that other chronic diseases will worsen (exacerbation of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases) is reduced, and various complications will not arise, as often happens with other drugs. In addition, antiviral drugs for colds have an excellent effect in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, including among healthy family members when a sick person is at home.

Source: http://proprostudu.ru/gripp/protiv-grippa-i-prostudy-preparaty.html