The following over-the-counter medicines are examples of flu treatments that may help ease flu symptoms.

Type of Medicine: Antihistamine

For Symptoms: Itchy, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, itchy throat

Possible side effects:
Drowsiness or grogginess, upset stomach, dry mouth

Impaired coordination and judgment, urinary retention, loss of appetite, excitability (in children)

Brands names for Antihistimines:
Allegra
Benadryl
Chlor-Trimeton
Claritin
Dimetane

Tavist
Zyrtec

Type of Decongestant medication:   Sudafed

Symptoms Treated: Congestion and pressure in head, nose, and ears
Possible Side Effects: Lightheadedness, wakefulness, nervousness, restlessness (jittery and shaky), increased blood pressure and heart rate, irregular heart beat

Type of Medication:  Antihistamine/decongestant

Symptoms treated: Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; congestion
Side Effects: Possible antihistamine and/or decongestant side effects
Medication Brand Names:
Actifed
Allegra D
Chlor-Trimeton D
Claritin D
Dimetapp
Drixoral
Tavist D

Category: Antihistamine/decongestant

Medication Brand Names:
Advil Cold and Sinus
Comtrex Day/Night
Tylenol Allergy Sinus
Symptoms treated: Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; congestion; headache
Possible antihistamine and/or decongestant side effects

Medication: Saline nose sprays

Ayr Saline
Ocean
Symptoms treated: Nasal stuffiness

Medication: Decongestant nose sprays

Afrin
Dristan Nasal Spray
Neo-Synephrine
Sinex
Symptoms Treated: Nasal stuffiness
Side Effects: Might lead to “rebound” congestion from dependence on the medicine if used for more than 3 days

Medication: Antihistamine eye drops

Visine-A (Formerly OcuHist)
Symptoms Treated: Itchy, watery eyes; eye redness
Possible Side Effects: Temporary stinging in the eyes or blurred vision, “rebound” redness of the eyes if overused

Source: Webmd.com
Click here to read the article

Flu symptoms can be mild or severe, and can come on suddenly – be sure you know your flu treatment options so you can be prepared. Symptoms generally appear 1 to 4 days after exposure to the virus.

The common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever (100º F or greater)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Extreme tiredness
• Cough
• Runny nose (more common in children than adults)

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it could be the flu.
Don’t be the one to spread the flu.

Taking some simple steps, like washing your hands to stop the spread of germs and getting an annual flu shot can help protect you from the flu.

SOURCE:  flufacts.com

Click here to use the Flu Symptom Checker

Here is a great chart from webmd.com

Below are cold symptoms and flu symptoms. See the differences and similarities between a cold and the flu.

SOURCE: webmd.com

Click here to read the article

CDC Mobile Web site

Your Mobile Source for Credible Health Information

CDC’s health information is now available on your mobile device. Visit m.cdc.gov on your mobile phone or PDA for information on seasonal flu, H1N1 flu, public health emergencies, and more.

This site is designed to be easily read and navigated from mobile devices and will soon feature even more health and safety topics.
H1N1 Flu Mobile Texting Pilot
Overview

Sending the CDC a Test Message

Sign up now to have important CDC information about H1N1 flu and other topics delivered directly to your mobile phone! In September 2009, CDC launched a three-month text messaging campaign pilot to share important, timely health information directly to users. Your feedback is very important to us and we look forward to receiving your input during this pilot.

To subscribe to the pilot, text HEALTH to 87000. Once you sign up for this pilot, you will be asked a few questions and begin receiving short health tips from CDC. Subscribers can expect to receive about three health messages a week during the three-month pilot. Standard text messaging rates will apply. You can opt out at any time by simply replying HEALTH QUIT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I sign up?
Send a text message with the word HEALTH in the body of the message to 87000.
2. Is there a cost?
CDC does not charge subscribers to participate in this pilot program. Standard text messaging rates from your wireless carrier may apply.
3. How many messages will I receive?
When you sign up, you will receive four introductory messages/questions. After that, you should expect to receive three health tips each week.
4. How do I opt out?
You can opt out at any time by sending a reply with the word HEALTH QUIT in the body of the message.

SOURCE: http://www.cdc.gov/mobile/

Click here to read the article

Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Knowing the difference between the cold an d the flu can help keep you family healthy this flu season.

Click her to view a PDF on the Cold vs. the Flu Signs and symptoms

Flu Symptoms
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing is not common with the flu.
A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

SOURCE:   Tamiflu.com

Click here to read mor information about Cold and Flu Symptoms

Sick with the Flu

When should you use Tamiflu?

If you think you might have the flu, you have 48 hours to take action. Ask your doctor about TAMIFLU.
TAMIFLU is only available by prescription from your healthcare provider. If you think you have flu symptoms, see your doctor or healthcare provider. Only (s)he can tell you if you have the flu. Remember, you have 48 hours from the time you first experienced symptoms to take TAMIFLU.

The following is a list of common symptoms associated with the flu.

1. Fever (higher than 100° F)
2. Headache
3. Extreme tiredness
4. Dry cough
5. Sore throat
6. Runny nose
7. Muscle aches
8. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

SOURCE tamiflu.com
Click her to visit the Tamiflu Site