Cold & Flu Tablets

[spathiphyllum]

Do cold and flu tablets help you get better or do they just easy symptoms of cold and flu?

[TonyV]

the jab should you getting infected with a virus.

[ummmm]

Never suffered with either but my sister claims they mask the symptoms very well. She was functioning OK until they wore off and then she keeled over.

[ummmm]

This was flu, not a cold.

[Vagus]

They just ease the symptoms, so they help you feel better.
The flu jab doesn’t stop you getting flu, but if you do get flu, it shouldn’t be as severe.

[Buenchico]

Given that there's nothing in such tablets that can attack a virus (or a bacterial infection), I can see no way that they could contribute to a 'cure'.

However, as well as relieving symptoms, I suppose that by reducing inflammation they might possibly reduce the chances of contracting a secondary infection.

[spathiphyllum]

" I can see no way that they could contribute to a 'cure'."

Giving the body some respite i thought may help it fight the cause of the cold or flu

in my case i think i have a chest infection

Thanks for answers all, may be worth noting that this was nothing to do with the flu jab i am not eligible

[ummmm]

Often people don't give their body respite because they don't realise how ill they are.

[hc4361]

Why can't you have the flu jab, Spath? I think everyone should have it, unless there is a medical reason why they shouldn't.

If you've got a chest infection you need antibiotics.

[AuntPollyGrey]

What do you mean you're not eligible for the flu jab? Anyone can get it.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Ummmm you have never had a cold in your life? Wow!

[Vagus]

For what it’s worth, I always think it’s worth throwing everything at a cold or flu to reduce the symptoms and help you function. Many of these remedies contain painkillers, temperature reducing stuff, snot drying up things, and cough reducing bits. Just make sure you read the contents of anything you take in case you take, say, paracetamol separately having just taken a flu remedy which also contains paracetamol.

[Vagus]

Perhaps he means he’s not eligible for a free flu jab.

[Sqad]

Cold and flu symptoms last 7-10 days.
Cold and flu symptoms with "tablets" last 7-10 days but with less disability.

[spathiphyllum]

i'm just on the daynurse at the mo, with ibuprofen ready in case i need a booster. The symptoms of my cold / suspected chest infection don't seem bad enough yet to seek antibiotic support.

I've not a reason to get the flu jab, i'm fit (usually) and young

[AuntPollyGrey]

Spath yes you have a reason to get the flu jab, to stop the flu spreading to vulnerable people. You could contract the flu and go splutter over a young child or older person and give them the flu.

[spathiphyllum]

The flu jab doesn't stop the flu, it just eases the symptoms.


I'm helping not spread my cold by staying in bed. I think that's the best method.

[woofgang]

vagus, the flu vaccine WILL help to prevent you getting flu as well as making it less severe if you do get it. If you take a look at the active ingredients of cold and flu medications, its usually pain relief and a decongestant, sometimes with some caffeine. You might just as well take your pain relief and decongestant of choice and the hot drink of your preference.

[Vagus]

If you read the nhs site, then Spathfillium doesn’t need to get the jab as he’s not in an at risk group or dealing with at risk people.
He, or anyone else, can buy one at many pharmacies or Boots for about £20 if they want.

[AuntPollyGrey]

The flu vaccine does help prevent the spread of flu. Why would they be giving it to Primary school children otherwise?

[jennyjoan]

well I had quite a bad head cold over the weekend but I bought beechams powders and am 90% better today.