Synonyms
Influenza, real influenza, viral influenzaIn addition to the targeted antiviral drugs and the antibiotics that may only be used in the case of a bacterial superinfection, there are a number of other drugs that are usually available without a prescription and can be used – as with a simple cold – to combat or alleviate the symptoms, but this has no direct influence on the duration of the illness. These include ibuprofen, paracetamol, and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®), all of which have both pain-relieving and antipyretic effects and thus increase well-being. and general information about anti-viral drugs.
However, acetylsalicylic acid is not suitable for children due to the threat of developing a so-called Reye’s syndrome. Since fever fulfils a useful function in the context of the immune defence and thus in fighting the virus, it should not be treated as a matter of principle, but only at persistently high temperatures above 39°C, so that the recovery process is not delayed. For severe rhinitis, mucosal decongestants (e.g. xylometazoline), available mainly in the form of nasal sprays, can be used, but their application period should not exceed seven days, as otherwise opposite effects may occur after discontinuation.
For coughing, on the other hand, expectorant and cough-relieving drugs (e.g. Ambroxol) can be taken. In addition, various “flu remedies” are also available which consist of a combination of several active ingredients and are thus intended to combat several flu symptoms simultaneously, e.g. Grippostad®, which combines paracetamol with chlorphenamine, vitamin C and caffeine. However, the fixed combination means that the treatment can only be very non-specific and there is also a risk of overdoses if, for example, patients do not know that paracetamol is part of the combination and take it in addition.
Therefore, the use of such preparations is less recommendable and should rather be replaced by an individual combination of different drugs. These preparations are not suitable for children anyway. In addition, there are a number of herbal remedies from the field of naturopathy, such as Echinacea, as well as some homeopathic remedies that are supposed to have a supportive effect in the case of flu or flu-like infections. Even if efficacy has not yet been proven for the most part, such preparations can fulfill their purpose.
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