You have been infected with the flu, and your doctor has prescribed you rest and paracetamol to mitigate flu symptoms. This molecule is indeed very often indicated in cases of influenza infections to block the virus and reduce symptoms. But according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the New Zealand Institute for Medical Research, even though paracetamol would lower moderate pain and mild fever, it would be ineffective against influenza infection itself and against more intense symptoms. Their results are published in the journal Respirology.
No effect on viral load
The researchers followed 80 participants with influenza for five days. Half of them received paracetamol, the other half a placebo. The researchers then observed no difference between these two groups of people in terms of symptoms such as fever, the time needed to heal and general health. “Classical paracetamol has no effect on viral load, fever or clinical symptoms in patients with influenza. There remains a lack of evidence for the use of paracetamol in cases of influenza infections“concluded the authors of the study.
What to do when you have the flu?
The most effective medications for influenza are antivirals, which directly attack the virus. Get enough rest and think about hydrate you intensely. As a preventive measure, you can also ask your doctor for flu shot.
As a reminder, the antibiotics are ineffective against influenza because it is a virus and not a bacteria. They will only be useful if a secondary bacterial infection is added to your flu.
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Antibiotics: when should you really take them?
Flu: how long are we contagious?
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