Do Pain Relievers Spread the Flu?

A provocative new study suggests that taking Tylenol and Aspirin when you have the flu can actually lead to greater infection rates across the population.

It is a theory based primarily on the fact that reducing a natural fever can enhance influenza’s rates of reproduction and mobility. One other factor: When you take medicine, you’re far more likely to head out into the world:

A new study using mathematical projections has concluded that the use of anti-fever drugs during flu epidemics increases disease transmission, both by raising the amount of flu virus shed and increasing the interaction that flu sufferers have with uninfected people.

Fever fights viruses by reducing their ability to reproduce. Reducing fever defeats this effect, increasing the rate and duration of viral shedding.

So take note: feeling better isn’t always the most important thing you can do, especially if you’ve come down with an especially virulent strain of the flu.  And if you require a more powerful response to lasting respiratory symptoms, please contact my Los Angeles sinus practice here today.

Tags: flu, influenza, los angeles sinus doctor, pain relievers, studies