SEMARANG (Sigi Central Java) – Upon entering the transition from summer to rainy season, usually many people suddenly experience chills. The term fever is not in the medical dictionary. However, this term is very commonly used by the Indonesian people, as a cold.
This condition sometimes causes a person to be absent from his activities and choose to rest at home.
Actually, what is thrill?
At least you or a family member at home must occasionally complain of a febrile condition. Although not in the medical dictionary, the use of this term refers to the condition of being unwell.
According to Medlineplus, malaise is a condition of not feeling well or feeling lethargic. This condition is characterized by fever due to infections with viruses, bacteria or foreign substances considered harmful to the body.
People suffering from this condition will feel a weak body, a bitter mouth, dizziness, sometimes accompanied by muscle aches, chills and cold sweats. The causes are quite diverse and range from minor illnesses like the flu to chronic illnesses like diabetes.
According to Dr. Anton Sony Wibowo, Sp.ENT-KL, M.Sc., FICS, ENT specialist at UGM Academic Hospital (RSA), fever or malaise will mutate and develop many viruses, including for example Covid-19 symptoms that they are currently mutating constantly and giving rise to many variants of SARS-CoV-2. This is because the body responds to the Covid-19 virus infection, causing symptoms of malaise.
Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the annoying symptoms of a cold. What are the most recommended drugs? Here’s the full review:
The list of cold medicines available in pharmacies below can help relieve symptoms. To be on the safe side, consult your doctor first to get the best medication recommendations.
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
paracetamol paracetamol
Paracetamol or paracetamol is useful for lowering the body temperature which rises due to fever. This drug is also often used to treat mild to moderate pain and relieve colds or flu, headaches, menstrual symptoms, toothache, and back pain.
There are many acetaminophen medicines available and there are various ways to take them, such as chewable tablets, pills or syrups. Always read the drinking rules carefully and do not take more than the recommended dose. Usually the dose of the drug is determined by age.
Also, do not take this cold medicine for more than ten days for adults or five days for children, unless you have obtained a doctor’s permission. Pay attention to some side effects such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or tongue, severe dizziness or difficulty breathing.
See a doctor immediately if your condition does not improve or if you have a history of liver disease, diabetes, phenylketonuria or are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking acetaminophen.
- Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil)
Ibuprofen is used to reduce pain caused by various conditions such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and arthritis. In addition, ibuprofen is also often used to relieve fever, flu or cold.
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory that works by blocking some natural substances that can cause inflammation, swelling, or pain when you have a fever.
Read the drinking rules before taking this cold medicine. Adjust the dose of the drug according to age. Ibuprofen is usually taken every 4-6 hours with a glass of water. It is recommended not to lie down for ten minutes after taking the drug.
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and sleepiness are side effects that may occur after taking this medicine.
Serious side effects include bruising, ringing in the head, stiff neck, changes in vision or fatigue. If the drug is taken for more than three days but the condition does not improve or even worsens, immediately perform a further examination by your doctor.
- Naproxen
In addition to ibuprofen, naproxen can also be used to relieve pain due to headaches, toothaches, tendonitis, menstrual pain, gout and arthritis. It works the same way as ibuprofen which prevents inflammation in the body.
Read the rules first and adjust the dose according to your age. Take this medicine 2-3 times a day with a glass of water and do not lie down for at least ten minutes after taking the medicine.
Side effects of this cold medicine are headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and pain in the pit of the stomach. Consult the use of medications first if you have blood pressure disorders because these medications are at risk of lowering blood pressure.
- Aspirin
Aspirin can reduce fever and relieve pain from toothaches, headaches, or body aches. It works the same way as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Additionally, aspirin can also be used to prevent blood clots from forming which are likely to cause heart attack or stroke. This is why these drugs are also known as anticoagulants.
The drug should only be taken in small doses for the treatment of fever. You shouldn’t use this medicine for more than three days, unless your doctor has given you permission. Consult first if aspirin is used for children under the age of 12.
If after taking aspirin you feel weak on one side of your body, have vision or speech problems, and have a headache accompanied by stiff neck and vomiting, get further tests immediately. (Mushonifin)
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