According to experts, three
over-the-counter drugs can help relieve some symptoms.
The winter surge is here. Omicron
has spread rapidly across the United States that hospital costs have risen
significantly, and emergency rooms are overflowing with COVID patients. Dr.
James Phillips, chief of disaster medicine at George Washington University
Hospital, told CNN, "It's unlike anything we've ever seen, even at the
peak of previous COVID surges." "What we're seeing right now in
Washington is an extreme overcrowding of emergency departments," Phillips
continued. The good news is that over-the-counter drugs can help relieve the
symptoms in some circumstances. Dr. Emily Landon, MD, infectious disease
specialist and Executive Medical Director for infection prevention and control
at At The Foremont UChicago Medicine, wrote an article for At The Foremont
UChicago Medicine detailing the best over-the-counter medications to use.
Continue reading.
1. You Can't Treat the Virus with OTC
"The most important thing to understand about using over-the-counter medications to treat COVID-19 is that none of these common drugstore treatments will truly treat the virus itself," noted Dr. Landon, MD. These drugs, on the other hand, can help you feel a lot better while you're sick."
2. When to See a Doctor
"In terms of specifics," Dr. Landon added, "acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) will assist lower your fever if you don't have a medical history that would prevent you from using them." It's usually not essential to treat a fever because an elevated temperature helps your body's immune system fight the infection. It's OK to take a fever reducer if you're genuinely sick. If your temperature is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or you or your kid has a history of febrile seizures, you should require medical help."
3. Tylenol
Dr. Landon wrote, "Acetaminophen, generally known as paracetamol or Tylenol, helps to lower fevers and can assist control muscle pain and body pains associated with COVID-19." "Acetaminophen does not treat the virus or shorten the duration of your illness." A fever makes many people miserable, so a fever reducer like acetaminophen is a choice for some relief." Just don't take more than is recommended.
4. Ibuprofen
"Ibuprofen, often known by the brand names Advil and Motrin, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine," Dr. Landon explained (NSAID). These drugs can help you get rid of your COVID-19 fever and muscular aches while also lowering inflammation in your body. Ibuprofen isn't a cure for the virus. However, it can help you feel better." Also, "take ibuprofen with food, and you may not want to reach for ibuprofen if you have any underlying kidney illness or ulcer disease."
5. Aleve
"Naproxen, often known as Aleve, is another NSAID (like ibuprofen) that can reduce inflammation and lower your fever," says Dr. Landon. It won't cure COVID-19 on its own, but it will make you feel better."
6. How to Stay Safe Out There
Get vaccinated or boost your vaccinations as soon as possible; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you aren't sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene.