Take caution with over the counter flu meds
Posted Jan 22, 2014 7:39 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new study suggests taking an over-the-counter fever medicine for flu may make people feel better, but it may also make them more contagious.
The study by McMaster University suggests people who take the drugs could spread the flu because they don’t realize they are still contagious.
The Hamilton researchers estimate the effect of fever reduction could lead to 1000 extra flu deaths in North America every year.
Previous studies of some viruses have shown that reducing fever can cause people to shed more virus, making them more infectious, but lead author David Earn says that doesn’t mean people should not take medicines to relieve fever and other flu symptoms.
He says those who do need to avoid contact with others until they are no longer contagious.
