by Ginger Kazay

Created on: February 08, 2009   Last Updated: February 09, 2009

You are sick and miserable; you have the flu! Now, the only question is how are you going to treat it? There are so many different remedies and methods of treatment. Everyone has an opinion; but, all you want to do is feel better.

The first thing to do is decide whether you want to get a prescription, use Over-The-Counter (OTC) methods , or use alternatives (home remedies and herbal medicines). Once you decide that; the rest is simple. I will list all three categories of flu treatments here. Simply pick the one you are most comfortable with or even use them in combination with each other. It is as simple as ABC.

A) Prescriptions

There are only 2 prescriptions that can be used to combat the flu. They are Tamiflu and Relenza. These are antiviral drugs and you need a prescription from your doctor to get them. They are not for everyone. Tamiflu has side effects - nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Relenza cannot be prescribed for people who already have COPD, asthma, or other lung problems. Consult your doctor if you want to try either of these drugs.

B) OTC

1) Antihistamines - these help dry you up and may make you drowsy so you can rest.

2) Decongestants - break up congestion to help you breathe better. These come in pills, liquids, and nasal sprays

3) Cough suppressants - these soothe a sore throat and help you stop coughing. Cough syrup, cough drops and lozenges, and sore throat strips are some of your options.

4) Expectorants - these keep mucus thin and runny so it doesn't get dried up and make you congested.

5) Pain relievers - also called analgesics. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and Tylenol are all common pain relievers. They also help reduce fevers.

These 5 OTC medications are often found in various combinations. Read the ingredients on each package and do NOT mix these unless you know they do not contain the same ingredients. Even though these are available without a prescription; it is very easy to accidentally overdose if you are taking more than one type OTC medication at the same time. Also, these should NOT be given to children under the age of 4 years without a doctor's recommendation.

Other OTC flu remedies are:

1) Nasal strips - which help open the nasal passages helping you to breathe.

2) Vitamins - A, B6, B12, C, and D - all of these help your body's immune system and Vitamin A is a mild anti-viral.

3) "Vicks Vap-O-Rub" and other mentholated "rubs" - the mentol helps open up airways and lets you breathe better. They are especially good to add to a humidifier or steam.

4)

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