For most healthy people the flu is self-limiting and managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines that ease fever, aches, and cough — there is no OTC cure that kills the virus. Prescription antiviral drugs can shorten illness by about a day but a doctor reserves them mainly for people who are very sick or at high risk of complications.
Available without a prescription — follow each label.
Tylenol Analgesic / antipyretic (fever reducer) | First-line for lowering fever and relieving the headache, muscle aches, and sore throat of flu. Don't exceed 4,000 mg/day, and watch for it hidden in multi-symptom 'cold & flu' combo products so you don't double-dose. |
Advil, Motrin NSAID (anti-inflammatory pain/fever reducer) | An alternative to acetaminophen for fever and body aches; some providers suggest alternating the two. Take with food and avoid if you have stomach ulcers, kidney problems, or are advised against NSAIDs. |
dextromethorphan Delsym, Robitussin DM Antitussive (cough suppressant) | Temporarily quiets a dry, hacking cough by reducing the cough signal in the brain. It eases the symptom but does not treat the infection or speed recovery. |
Mucinex Expectorant | Helps thin and loosen chest mucus so a productive, congested cough is easier to clear. Drink plenty of fluids alongside it. |
pseudoephedrine Sudafed Oral decongestant |
A doctor may prescribe these — not for self-treatment.
oseltamivir Tamiflu Neuraminidase inhibitor (antiviral) | A doctor may prescribe this oral antiviral, especially for people very sick or at high risk; it works best started within 1–2 days of symptoms and can shorten illness by about a day. Prescription only — not something to start on your own. |
Xofluza Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor (antiviral) | A doctor may prescribe this as a single-dose oral antiviral, again most useful when begun within the first day or two of symptoms. Prescription only. |
Relenza Neuraminidase inhibitor (inhaled antiviral) | A doctor may prescribe this inhaled-powder antiviral; it is generally avoided in people with asthma or COPD because it can trigger wheezing. Prescription only. |
Rapivab Neuraminidase inhibitor (IV antiviral) | A doctor may give this as a single intravenous dose, typically in a clinical setting for people who can't take oral medication. Prescription only. |
Start by matching the medicine to your worst symptom: acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches, a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) for a blocked nose, dextromethorphan for a dry cough, and guaifenesin for a chesty, mucus-filled cough — and rest plus plenty of fluids underpin all of it. Multi-symptom "cold & flu" products bundle several of these, which is convenient but makes it easy to accidentally double up on acetaminophen, so always read the active-ingredient list. Antibiotics do nothing for the flu because it is a virus. Prescription antivirals are a doctor's decision: they help most when started within the first day or two and are aimed mainly at people who are very sick or at high risk (age 65+, pregnant, young children, or those with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart, or lung disease). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
Get urgent or emergency care for any breathing problem — trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain or pressure — as well as bluish lips or face, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness or confusion, seizures, severe or persistent vomiting, or a very high fever that won't come down. In children, also seek help for fast or labored breathing, dehydration (no tears, much less urine), not waking or interacting, or a fever with a rash. Contact a clinician promptly (rather than waiting it out) if you are 65 or older, pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have a long-term condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, or if symptoms last beyond about a week, improve and then come back worse, or you're worried about a baby or young child — these are the people antivirals may help most and who are most at risk of complications.
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacist. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health conditions, age, and other medicines — always read each label and confirm before taking anything.
| Relieves a stuffy, blocked nose and sinus pressure. Check with a pharmacist or doctor first if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or prostate problems; sold from behind the pharmacy counter. |