If your cold symptoms come hand in hand with body pain, it is probably much more than just a cold. By definition, influenza –simply called flu – is a viral infection that manifests as a cold with severe body pain. It is common for people to develop the flu a few times each year, that’s why flu medicine has become very accessible through the years.
The best over the counter flu medicine is the one that will target all the symptoms you experience and provide you instant relief against your condition. With so many different formulations available, however, it can be difficult to choose the right product.
How can you be sure that the treatment you’ve got your eyes on is the best flu medicine for you? Follow this comprehensive buying guide and make an informed decision when you walk into the drugstore.
Top 10 Flu Medicines Chart
Major Considerations When Buying Flu Medicine
While we all experience flu the same way, our bodies react differently to the treatment options available: this means that while a certain product may work wonders for you, it may not work at all for someone else.
To select the best flu medicine for your particular needs and preferences, here is some important information that will help you choose.
- Multi-Symptom Relief. When you say ‘flu,’ you’re referring to a group of symptoms associated with the influenza virus. Most of these symptoms resemble those present during a cold, but it pays to remember that those that come with the flu are often much more pronounced.
It is important that you purchase a flu medicine that targets all the symptoms you are experiencing. Most commonly, flu medicine is formulated for these purposes:
- Pain Reliever. The main distinction between the flu and a common cold is the presence of body pain. Pain in the joints and muscles, and even headaches and sinus pain are common. An effective flu medicine should have a pain relief ingredient incorporated into the formulation for fast and effective relief.
- Decongestant. When you develop the flu, your body produces more mucus to coat the foreign contaminant and prevent it from causing more damage to your system: this can cause widespread congestion throughout your sinus and chest.
- Cough Suppressant. The development of a cough is common when congestion and over production of mucus occur. A cough suppressant ingredient will prevent the coughing reflex and allow you to go about your day without worrying about a persistent cough.
- Expectorant. To help relieve the body of excess mucus, an expectorant ingredient helps encourage the body to expel mucus from the system for clear airways and easy breathing.
- Fever Reducer. Flu is commonly associated with a high fever, and this can run for days depending on the severity of the case. A fever reducer will work well to bring temperatures to normal levels and reduce the lethargy caused by abnormally high body temperature.
Your flu medicine can have all (or some) of these properties and depending on the symptoms you are experiencing, it is important to select a medicine that targets your specific symptoms.
- Homeopathic. Chemical-based medications can be very effective, but that does come at a price. Often, these alternatives can cause unpleasant side-effects such as stomach irritation, nausea, and drowsiness. While many don’t mind these reactions, there are some who have a low tolerance for these unwanted effects.
If you are particularly sensitive to the side effects caused by chemical-based formulations, it would be much better to settle with a homeopathic remedy. These products are made from all natural ingredients, making them much less likely to cause any negative reaction. Keep in mind however that they can also be much less effective, so depending on how your body takes to the formulation, you may or may not experience relief.
Top 5 Best Flu Medicine Reviews
1. Contac Cold and Flu Night Caplet
Contac Cold and Flu Night Formula has been considered by many buyers as the best flu medicine on the market today. This formulation targets nasal congestion, sinus pressure, sore throat, body pain, and headaches, sneezing, runny nose, and fever making it a holistic solution for a full blown flu.
The night time remedy works well to make a person sleepy after a dosage. This side-effect is an intended feature of the formulation, allowing users to achieve a good night’s sleep to aid in the recovery process.
At a very reasonable price, Contac Cold and Flu Night Formula is a budget-friendly flu remedy that’s ideal for keeping in storage for those unexpected flu outbreaks at home or in the office.
2. OHCO Cold Snap Powder Ease Cold and Flu Symptons
For those seeking an herbal remedy for flu, OHCO Cold Snap Herbal Supplement Powder for Cold and Flu Symptoms is the best and most effective all-natural product available. This formulation works well to target all the symptoms of flu, and is safe to use for children and pregnant women.
The all-around formulation is highly effective and has been proven a safe solution for all of its users. The only issue is that preparing the formulation can be quite tedious, which can make it relatively inconvenient for some users.
3. Boiron Oscillococcinum for Flu-like Symptoms Pellets
Another effective all-natural remedy for flu is Boiron Oscillococcinum for Flu-Like Symptoms Pellets. This medicine comes in the form of small dissolvable pellets that are easy to use for instant relief. The natural formulation works quick to reduce a fever and is safe for users as young as two years of age.
Although it is a very effective natural remedy, there is a downside to Boiron Oscillococcinum for Flu-Like Symptoms Pellets. That is that it costs much more than any other item on the list, which can make it an impractical choice for people on a budget.
4. Nature’s Way Umcka Chewable Tablets
This multi-symptom targeting formulation relieves congestion, minor pains, headaches, cough, fever, runny nose, and sore throat, making it a holistic remedy for people who want a homeopathic and safe flu treatment. The product also features a very pleasant berry flavor which makes it an excellent choice for kids who are particularly avoidant of bitter tasting medicine.
The only downside to Nature’s Way Umcka Cold +Flu is that it can only relieve minor body pains and aches: this means if your flu is causing severe pain, it may not be advisable to take this remedy.
5. Sambucol Cold and Flu Relief Tablets
These homeopathic quick dissolve tablets can be easily taken even without water to wash it down, making it the ideal remedy for people on the go. Sambucol Cold and Flu Relief Tablets are all natural which means they are safe for children and all types of adults.
What sets it apart from other products is that it also works as an oral antiseptic which is particularly ideal for people who experience a severe sore throat with their flu. The only concern that some users have is that it has had a reputation of being a hit or miss remedy. Be sure to test it out first and see how your body reacts to the formulation before stocking up on it.