Finding Relief From Flu Symptoms

Tamiflu can help people battling the flu, but it's only effective within the first 48 hours of when symptoms first begin.

Greg Aske knows all too well about the viruses going around.

"It's like a barking cough," Aske said.

He's getting a prescription for his son, Parker, who's battling croup.

"Day care has about six cases of different stuff, influenza to strep throat to RSV," Aske said.

"The prescription Tamiflu is used for influenza, and we've been seeing a great increase in those prescriptions," Hy-Vee Pharmacist Jillian Tucek said.

Tucek says a lot of people are also coming in who've had flu symptoms for more than 48 hours. At that point, Tamiflu is no longer effective.

"As far as treatment for that, it's really just symptomatic. I would suggest Tylenol and Ibuprofen especially for fevers," Tucek said.

Those pain relievers can also help relieve flu-related headaches and other pains. For those battling coughs, cough drops could be an option.

"DayQuil, NyQuil, and Delsym are great products for coughs also," Tucek said.

Along with medication, it also helps to stay hydrated and get a good amount of sleep.

"That's why it's best just to try to stay home from work and school. That way you can rest," Tucek said.

As far as Aske and his son, they hope they won't have to look for flu relief because they got a flu shot this year.

Tucek also emphasizes that if you're taking other medications, you should talk to a doctor or pharmacist to make sure the drugs don't interfere with each other.