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Flu — what to take?

The flu (influenza) is a serious, seasonal viral respiratory infection (November-March in Romania) that affects 5-10% of the population each year. It spreads through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Also known as: influenza influenza viral infection flu
4 recommended OTC drugs
8,260 pharmacies available

In short: Influenza (the flu) is a seasonal respiratory viral infection, common between November and March in Romania, that comes on suddenly with fever, muscle aches and exhaustion. Over-the-counter medicines are symptomatic only: paracetamol or ibuprofen ease fever and aches, while combinations with caffeine and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) relieve general discomfort — none of them cures the virus. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these OTC options across the major pharmacies (Dr. Max, Tei, Catena, HelpNet), with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice; seek help if you develop difficulty breathing or chest pain.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — no prescription

What you can take for flu

Paracetamol + Cofeină + Acid ascorbic

Theraflu · Coldrex Hotrem

See prices

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Confusion, profound drowsiness
  • Dehydration (scant urine, dry mouth)
  • Children under 2 years, the elderly over 65 years
  • Pregnant women
  • Patients with chronic illnesses (diabetes, asthma, heart conditions)
  • Symptoms that return after improvement

How to recognize the flu

Sudden onset with high fever (39-40°C), chills, severe generalized muscle pain (myalgia), extreme fatigue, frontal headache, sometimes a dry cough and sore throat. Nasal symptoms are less prominent than in a common cold.

In children, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may also occur. Typical duration: 5-7 days of acute symptoms, but fatigue can persist for 2-3 weeks.

Symptomatic OTC treatment

Paracetamol 1000 mg or ibuprofen 400 mg every 6-8h for fever and myalgia. Abundant hydration (at least 2-3 liters of fluids/day). Complete rest — pushing your body prolongs the illness.

Multi-symptom combinations (Theraflu, Coldrex, Panadol Cold & Flu) contain paracetamol + vitamin C + a decongestant, useful for comfort. Do NOT combine with plain paracetamol — risk of overdose.

Specific antivirals (Rx)

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) reduces the duration and severity by ~30% IF started within the first 48h. It is prescribed for at-risk patients (the elderly, cardiac patients, diabetics, pregnant women, the immunocompromised). Zanamivir, baloxavir are alternatives. They are not given routinely to all patients.

The flu vaccine

An annually updated vaccine, available free of charge for at-risk groups (over 65 years old, pregnant women, medical staff, chronic illnesses). Protection 40-60% — it is not perfect but it reduces severe forms. Optimal timing: October-November.

Possible complications

  • Viral or secondary bacterial pneumonia (the most serious).
  • Otitis media (in children).
  • Myocarditis, encephalitis (rare).
  • Decompensation of chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart failure).

When it is not just the flu

Shortness of breath, chest pain, bluish lips, confusion, persistent vomiting, dehydration, fever that returns after an initial improvement (suspicious of bacterial superinfection) — all require immediate medical evaluation.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is informational in nature and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Medicines compared

Medicines used for flu

This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicines for flu

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for flu

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For flu most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.

If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for flu runs over weeks.

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Febră

Febra (>37,5°C axilar sau >38°C rectal) e un răspuns natural al sistemului imun la infecții. Nu e o boală, ci un simptom — important e să afli cauza și să scazi febra doar când deranjează pacientul.

 Symptom

Tuse

Tusea e un reflex de curățare a căilor respiratorii, nu o boală în sine. Se împarte în tuse seacă (neproductivă) și tuse umedă (productivă, cu expectorație). Tratamentul diferă radical între cele două.

 Symptom

Durere în gât

Durerea în gât (odinofagie) apare de regulă dintr-o infecție virală (80-90% din cazuri) sau mai rar bacteriană (streptococ beta-hemolitic). Majoritatea episoadelor se rezolvă în 5-7 zile cu tratament simptomatic.

 Symptom

Oboseală

Oboseala e lipsă persistentă de energie, peste ce e normal după efort. Cauzele variază de la lipsă de somn la anemie, hipotiroidie, diabet, depresie, boli cronice.

 Condition

Bronșită cronică

Bronșita cronică (parte a BPOC) = tuse productivă cronică minim 3 luni pe an, 2 ani consecutivi. Cauza principală — fumatul. Evoluție progresivă cu dispnee și insuficiență respiratorie.

 Condition

Astm bronșic

Astmul e o boală inflamatorie cronică a căilor respiratorii, cu obstrucție variabilă și hiperreactivitate bronșică. Simptome: dispnee, wheezing, tuse, senzație de constricție toracică.

Frequently asked

What else do you want to know?

Should I get the flu vaccine if I have already had the flu?
Yes — the flu virus mutates every year, and the vaccine is updated for the current strains. The antibodies from a previous infection do not fully protect against new variants.
Is Tamiflu worth taking?
Yes, if you are in an at-risk group and start within the first 48h. It shortens the duration by ~1-2 days and reduces complications. It requires a medical prescription.
When can I return to work after the flu?
Ideally — 24h without fever (without an antipyretic) and with improved symptoms. A minimum of 5-7 days of rest to avoid complications and to avoid infecting your colleagues.
Why does the flu cause such severe muscle pain?
The virus induces a massive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interferons, TNF) that affect the skeletal muscles. It is the normal immune response, not direct muscle damage.

See also

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