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| CDC Swine Flu Guidelines: Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid / salicylates) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s Syndrome.
Check ingredient labels on all over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
Teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms.
Children younger than 2 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a healthcare provider.
The safest care for flu symptoms in children younger than 2 years of age is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus.
Fevers and aches can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Examples of these kinds of medications include:
- Acetaminophen; Tylenol®
- Ibuprofen; Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®
- Naproxen; Aleve®
Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion. Importantly, these medications will not lessen how infectious a person is.
Check the ingredients on the package label to see if the medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen before taking additional doses of these medications—don’t double dose! Patients with kidney disease or stomach problems should check with their health care provider before taking any NSAIDS.
Check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications not related to the flu. For more information on products for treating flu symptoms, see the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/105_buy.html.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:
- has difficulty breathing or chest pain
- has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
- has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
- has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
- is less responsive than normal or becomes confused
More information about the Swine Flu at the CDC
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Reye's Syndrome, a deadly disease, strikes swiftly and can attack any child, teen, or adult without warning. All body organs are affected, with the liver and brain suffering most seriously.
While the cause and cure remain unknown, research has established a link between Reye's Syndrome and the use of aspirin and other salicylate containing medications, over the counter products, and topical use products.
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The Foundation's Top Objectives are:
 ... AWARENESS - to aid in early detection and educate the public and medical communities about the risk involved with using aspirin and other salicylates.
... SERVICE - to provide emotional support and guidance to families experiencing the trauma of Reye's Syndrome.
... RESEARCH - to support investigation into the disease's cause, management, treatment and prevention, as well as study its impact on survivors.
If this site has proved helpful to you, a donation from you would assist us in keeping this site up-to-date. To make a tax deductible donation to the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, click here.
To become a member of the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, click here.
Know that your donations and memberships allow us to continue spreading Awareness about Reye's Syndrome to new mom's, new medical professionals, caregivers, schools, daycare centers, churches, and immigrants, and to a global population who can now access this website. You make a difference, a life and death difference. -- Thank You.
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