FOR GENERAL DISCOMFORT,
HEADACHE, FEVER

NATURAL TREATMENTS AND COMFORT MEASURES

• REST conserves your energy so your body can fight the virus, and helps build your resistance against complications. Staying in bed is usually not necessary unless you have a fever above 100 , but it is a good idea to take it easy for a day or two. Also, you will avoid spreading your cold to others if you stay out of circulation and avoid crowds.

• FLUIDS will help a lot. Drinking double or triple the amount of your usual daily fluid intake (8 to 10 glasses per day) will help to reduce fever.

MEDICATIONS

• ASPIRIN is an effective pain reliever, so it will help reduce your muscle aches and headache, as well as working to reduce your fever. It is probably the most effective medication you can take for these symptoms. It is also the least expensive. Your fever and achiness may be more pronounce in the afternoon and evening, so be sure to take aspirin regularly during this time.

  Adult Dosage: 2 tablets every 4 hours.

  Side Effects: Since aspirin my cause stomach irritation in some individuals, it should be taken after meals or with a glass of milk or a full glass of water.

  Warning: Aspirin should not be used if you have an ulcer or a bleeding disorder, or if you are allergic to it. Do not take aspirin with alcohol. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin for flu symptoms or chickenpox because of the danger of developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness reported to be associated with aspirin.

• ACETAMINOPHEN (generic for Tylenol) is an effective substitute for aspirin. It is usually more expensive. It does not cause stomach irritation.

  Adult Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets 3 or 4 times a day.

  Side effects: Seldom seen.

  Warning: Overdose causes liver toxicity. Use only as directed.In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your regional poison control center or the hospital emergency room.

• IBUPROFEN is an all purpose pain reliever and fever reducer. It is used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with headcold symptoms. It is also effective for toothaches, menstrual cramps, headaches, muscular aches, and minor arthritic pain.

  Adult dosage: 1 or 2 tablets every 6 to 8 hours, not to exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours. Smallest effective dose should be used.

  Side Effects: May upset your stomach or cause stomach pain. Take with food or milk. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of your physician before using this medication.

  Warning: Do not take Ibuprofen if you are allergic to aspirin, because cross-sensitivity may occur in patients allergic to aspirin.

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