Common remedies for Cold and Flu

There is no cure for common cold and flu since these are viral infections. Most people prefer treating a cold using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Age-old home remedies are also very prevalent for finding relief from cold and flu symptoms. But when cold strikes, it is important to know what OTC cold & flu tablets are most effective for different symptoms and how to administer the right doses for the same.

Here is a list of commonly-used cold and flu medicines for different symptoms of the infection.

For pain relief: Body ache is a characteristic symptom of cold and flu. There are many options for pain relief. But do not take more than one type of medicine at the same time and also limit the dose to 1-2 a day with intervals of 8 to 12 hours or as per recommendations of your doctor.

  • Common cold and flu medicine come under the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Acetaminophen falls under the classification of drugs known as antipyretics (fever reducers) and analgesics (pain relievers) also used to bring down a fever or reduce pain.

For nasal congestion: You can use sprays or pills to clear nasal congestion. But it is not recommended to use them for more than three days and these must not be administered to young children.

  • Commonly used nasal decongestants available at your nearest drug store.
  • Antihistamines are effective for nasal congestion and cold-like symptoms caused by allergies. But these can cause drowsiness so must be used with caution. Also know that antihistamines don’t treat a cold. Antihistamines are drugs to treat allergy symptoms and can provide relief from cold and flu symptoms when combined with other pain relievers and decongestants.
  • For cough, OTC medicines are not very effective to treat a cough caused by cold or flu. You can ask your doctor for a prescription cough syrup or try other OTC formulas.

Taking Precautions with Cold and Flu Medicines.

When you take cold & flu tablets, it is important that you do not pop these pills without understanding your symptoms. Use OTC cold and flu medicines for specific symptoms only. Don’t use different drugs with the same active ingredients as you risk taking more than the recommended dosage. If you are unsure what OTC cold & flu tablets to take, you can ask your doctor for more information. Some home remedies suggest increasing the dose of vitamin C and zinc to heal a cold. But if you want to do so, take them as a part of your diet instead of as pills.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, do not use any cold & flu tablets without consulting your doctor.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Recent developments in treating HIV
    Doctors can now prevent HIV from taking hold in your body if the person acts quickly. People who may have been infected can take anti-HIV drugs to protect themselves. This is called PEP. But you must start the process within 72 hours of when you were exposed, the medicines can have unpleasant side effects. Although there is a little progress in finding the cure to the infection. There are therapies developed in the field of medical science that can decelerate the HIV infection. ART (Antiretroviral therapy) is a revolutionary HIV treatment that has been developed in the past few decades. So, what is ART? ART does not cure HIV. It only attacks the virus in different ways. It stops it from reproducing itself and spreading further. HIV infection is measured by the viral load, that is, the amount of the virus which is present in the patient's bloodstream. The goal of treatment is to get the viral reproduction so low that tests can't even detect the virus anymore. HIV would still be present in the body, but there's not enough of it to cause symptoms, this, as long as you keep taking your medication. An important point to remember is that the infected person can still pass HIV to someone else while on medication. There are lots of myths and outdated information about HIV treatment. Here are five things you should know about ART. A lot of people with HIV just take one pill a day. That one combination pill packs in all the different active ingredients the body needs. Most people don't need the "cocktails" with complicated dosing schedules. There are six classes of antiretroviral drugs for HIV and more than 30 drugs. If one doesn't work or if it causes side effects, the doctor has many other choices. Medications work for a long time. People used to worry that their drugs would stop working after a while and that they'd have to keep switching to new ones. That's not really a risk now. Drugs nowadays have fewer side effects. While specific side effects depend on the drug, HIV treatment is much safer and easier to tolerate than it used to be. For most people, minor side effects like upset stomach and diarrhea often go away. Long-term risks include cholesterol problems and weakened bones. But even so, the risks of treatment are much lower than the risks of not getting it, you may start taking medication as soon as you're diagnosed. Many experts believe that the sooner you start treatment, the better. However, some doctors prefer to wait until your CD4 lymphocytes count, drops to a certain point before starting treatment. As the cell count drop may be due to some other reason.
  • Trending bluetooth wireless headphones
    Best bluetooth wireless headphones are the trending accessory on everyone’s mind. They have totally changed the course of music and the way of listening it. They have emerged from the traditional wired, small and annoying earphones to an excellent looking wireless form. Wireless headphones are excellent for travelling, exercising, dancing, driving etc. They also come with an excellent audio quality which makes them worth their price. One of the top trending headphones are the Jabra MOVE Wireless on-ear headphones. They are one of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones in the market. Slim fit, light in weight with a cheaper price but an excellent sound quality. The best part about them is their looks which comes in red color and cobalt designs which makes them a class apart from others. Despite such fantastic features these headphones never compromise on their quality. They are durable and are made with stainless steel which makes them lightweight and easier to carry. These headphones are also dirt-resistant and easily portable. The ear cups are well designed with a matt-textured plastic and also come with a power button to switch on the right ear cup. In case your battery runs out then you have an option to plug it in with ant device with a standard connector. It also has an option of a play and pause button which enables you to listen to music without any hassle. It can be used for eight hours continuously without any trouble among the best bluetooth wireless headphones and can have a maximum of 12 days as standby. Its superior audio quality, crisp look, perfectly fit ear cups, speakers, 80MW input speakers, and affordable price is what makes it as a best seller in the market. It comes with leather ear pads which may wear out due to constant usage but this does not stop Jabra Move Wireless from being at the top. QC35 wireless Bluetooth earphones QC35 headphones are also making the charts due to its noise cancellation features and excellent ear cup quality. They are designed keeping in mind the user’s convenience and comfort. Its essential padding, large oval cups make the listener go crazy over these pair of headphones. The QC53 headphones balances sound sensing extra and background noises through its inbuilt microphones which are placed on the inside and the outside of ear cups. They can be used for 20 hours non-stop after which its battery may tend to die. It also comes with a handy pair of wires which enables the users to plug in to continue listening. The sound quality may vary in wired and wireless headphones. But nothing can beat QC35 headphones in its wireless form making it one of the best bluetooth wireless headphones. Sound Blaster Jam headphones. The Creative Sound Blaster Jam headphones can be bought under $50. They come with excellent features, amazing prices and are ideal for all types of users. Light in weight with 8.8 oz makes it the ideal choice for travelers. They come with an inbuilt lithium battery and can be used constantly for 12 hours. Moreover these headphones can be charged through a USB cable. Its sound quality is good and the treble is crisp at the high end. You can’t compare it with high priced set of headphones in terms of looks and audio quality but these are value for money. They are suitable for all ages and ideal for students or others who do not want to spend much on a pair of headphones. These headphones are not perfect in a particular area but are always in trend due to its low price and wireless form. They are the best choice for low price headphones and can compete with many in terms of its usage.
  • Top gardening tools brands
    When it comes to gardening tools, there are hordes of brands to select from which makes it difficult for a novice to choose the best company. It would be really helpful for you if an experienced individual comes to know about some of the best brands offering gardening tools in America. It would be easier for you to narrow down your choices in terms of the requirements, preferences and most importantly, your budget. Here are some of the most prominent companies who stand behind their products and make premium quality products for all your gardening needs. A.M. Leonard Established in 1885 by the renowned AshbelMerrel Leonard, this company is one of the notable leaders in the supply of gardening tools. This company is known for their top notch customer service along with a selection of almost over 8,000 items which can make the task of gardening as smooth as breeze. When shopping from A. M. Leonard, you will have a variety of choices and the exceptional customer service would definitely make you appreciate this company. Bionic If there is any company that produces unparalleled glove technology in the making gloves that offer amazing control and grip while doing the task of gardening. You can effortlessly utilize other equipment without straining your hands. In case you are looking for gardening gloves, Bionic can be the best solution for you. CobraHead LLC A small family of gardening tools located at Wisconsin, USA, CobraHead is one of the prime producers of Weeder, Cultivator, and Long Handle. Most of them are multipurpose hand tools used for gardening, agriculture, and horticulture. For instance, the CobraHead Long Handle is a kind of stand-up weeding tool which uses a similar blade like that of the small tool. This company is widely preferred for their high level of versatility, usefulness and awesome quality. By using these tools, you can also improve your knowledge of food gardening. Corona When it comes to tools for gardening, you cannot afford to miss Corona and its wide range of irrigation, tree care, agricultural and gardening tools. It is known for their high-quality performance which has the power to work harder for your garden. Earth Talon Earth Talon has promoted the classic spade in a new way as they have crafted the shovel in such a manner that it can penetrate hard and rocky soils with a much less effort. These tools have been built to last and the wide, embossed foot help in preventing the feet from slipping. Last but not the least, the unique Talon point keeps the job performing in the precise point rather than swaying here and there. Be it digging holes or weeding work, you can always take a chance with the Earth Talon products as they are made for both residential and commercial projects. These are some of the best-known brands of gardening tools in the USA and each of them are known for offering the best quality and durable products.
  • Diabetic Diet Menu Plans – Foods to Consume and Avoid
    The right food choice is critical for a diabetic patient as it not only helps regulate the levels of blood sugar but also prevents further damage due to higher blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients must have a balanced diet menu that provides essential calories, nutrients, and minerals. Moreover, the right combination of foods can also help to prevent diabetes-related complications such as heart diseases. Food to include in a diabetic diet menu plan A diabetic patient must consult a medical practitioner before finalizing their dietary plan. Here is a list of food items that could be included in diet menu plans for diabetic patients:
    • Fatty fish: Fatty fishes like salmon, anchovies, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. These fatty acids reduce the chances of diabetes-related complications like a stroke. Moreover, regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation.
    • Leafy vegetables: Leafy vegetables must be a part of a diet menu plans for diabetic patients. These are low in calories and also contain essential nutrients. The minerals and vitamins present in leafy vegetables are known to improve one's health and reduce inflammation.
    • Cinnamon: Cinnamon contains several powerful antioxidants. It lowers the blood sugar levels and improves the functioning of insulin, which is the main glucose-regulating hormone.
    • Greek yogurt: It contains probiotics, calcium, and conjugated linoleic acid. These items help manage one's blood sugar and reduce the chances of cardiovascular disorders.
    • Nuts: Regular consumption of certain nuts helps in controlling blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation.
    • Extra-virgin olive oil: Diabetic patients have raised levels of triglycerides in their blood which increases their vulnerability to heart disorders. Oleic acid present in extra-virgin olive oil reduces triglycerides, thus preventing heart disease.
    Foods that diabetic patients should avoid Here are some food items that diabetic patients must try and avoid:
    • Refined grains: Refined grains raise the blood sugar levels quickly and hence, must be avoided.
    • Dairy products: Diabetic patients should avoid some dairy products like whole milk, fat-rich cheese, fat-rich sour cream, and fat-rich yogurt.
    • Low-quality carbohydrates: Sugar-rich foods, sweets, and low-quality carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels sharply. So, patients must remove them from their diet.
    • Fruits: Avoid consuming jellies, jams, sweetened fruit juices, and pickles. Instead, eat a lot of fresh fruits.
    Diet management is a critical way of regulating one's blood sugar levels. It is vital to select a diabetic diet menu plan wisely. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek help from a diabetes specialist or a dietician for this.
  • Top three smartphones you need to check out
    As the smartphone market has been expanding, newer and newer models with awesome innovations are being produced. This article will cover the features of different phones. It will also cover the Samsung Galaxy S8, Moto Z, as well as the new iPhone’s price. Samsung Galaxy S8 There should never be limits to anything. This could be for your dreams, your ambitions, or even your phone’s screen size. The Samsung Galaxy S8 has a 5.8-inch screen with infinity display. Apart from its looks, it is also packed with a 10 nm processor and an Exynos 8895 Octa-Core processor that clocks at a 10 percent faster speed. It comes with a 12 MP rear camera with a f/1.7 aperture for better low-light pictures. The pro mode on the Galaxy S8, lets you adjust six settings like the shutter speed, ISO, color tone, and more. Last but not the least, you will also gain access to smart features like Bixby and Samsung Pay. The Samsung Galaxy S8’s price is USD 424.99. Apple iPhone 7 Plus If “the bigger the better” is your mantra, then you should definitely check out the iPhone 7 Plus. It not only has a huge 5.5-inch screen, this new iPhone’s price is equally attractive! The A10 fusion chip makes this phone blazing fast. The 12 MP rear camera of the phone is great for amateurs as well as professionals. A unique feature of this phone is that it does not come with a headphone jack. It is instead connected with Ear Pods. The new iPhone’s price is USD 769. Moto Z We all have that feeling of wanting to make subtle changes to our phones. This could be due to a lacking feature or maybe because of something new in the market. While this feature is not available on most phones, you may update and more on the Moto Z. Now you may turn your phone into a professional camera, blast some music, or even project your ideas onto the nearest wall with Moto Mods. The phone has a really strong magnet that can stick these add-ons. The Moto Z costs USD 699.99. So, do check out these cool phones the very next opportunity you get.
  • What does secondary hyperhidrosis mean?
    Hyperhidrosis is of two types one is Primary, Idiopathic or Focal, and the other one is Secondary Hyperhidrosis, which is unlike the primary and has an underlying disease as its cause. It is more of a symptom than a disease in itself. The sweating in this type of hyperhidrosis, unlike the primary, is not localized. There is no sweating in the sleep and the sweating is more likely to be all over rather than in one region. Diagnosis A whole lot of medical conditions can cause generalized sweating. The more well-known reasons are certain medications, pregnancy, menopause, obesity, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, heart diseases, Parkinson's disease, lymphoma, gout and the like. The preliminary diagnosis is aimed at identifying the root cause and after that necessary tests are conducted. It is, therefore, better to tell the doctor whenever a generalized excess sweating episode happens. Treatment The general approach to treatment is try to reduce the patient's discomfort concurrent to the investigations to ascertain the underlying cause. Antiperspirants like low strength aluminum chloride are prescribed to alleviate the discomfort of the patient, and if required prescription strength antiperspirants are used. - Advanced treatments are available for primary hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin A, Botox, a nerve toxin, which can temporarily paralyze muscles had found applications in cosmetic surgery for wrinkle removal, has found applications in other areas of medical use. It has already been used in cases of axillary hyperhidrosis. A small amount of Botox is injected in about 20 or 25 spots underarm with a fine needle. The injections are generally uncomfortable and are made tolerable by the use of a fine needle. These injections give relief for more than a year. FDA clearance is limited to underarm hyperhidrosis as of now. - Other advanced procedures are use of microwave and laser energy, which again are limited to underarm use only. The sweat glands in the underarm area are burnt using microwave energy in an hour-long operation. The skin is cooled during the treatment and a local anesthetic is used to make the operation comfortable. Laser is also used and is quicker and gives longer relief. When all available resources have failed to give relief to the patient, a surgical procedure called Thoracic sympathectomy is tried. The sympathetic nerve in the underarm area is severed using an endoscopic instrument and is inserted between two ribs just below the armpit. The surgery though effective is considered risky. All medication and treatment options should be chosen only after consultation with a doctor.