From the Guidelines
No, ibuprofen does not prolong flu symptoms, and it can be used to help manage symptoms such as fever, myalgias, and headache. According to the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society, and Health Protection Agency guidelines 1, treatment of fever, myalgias, and headache with paracetamol or ibuprofen is recommended as it is unlikely to cause harm. When using ibuprofen for flu symptoms, consider the following:
- Take with food to reduce stomach upset
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Do not use for more than 10 days unless directed by a healthcare provider Ibuprofen works by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals, which can help lower fever and alleviate body aches, common flu symptoms. Key points to keep in mind:
- Ibuprofen does not treat the underlying viral infection
- Rest, hydration, and allowing your immune system to work are still crucial for recovery from the flu
- The typical adult dose is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 1200 mg per day unless directed by a doctor.
From the Research
Ibuprofen and Influenza Symptoms
- There is no evidence to suggest that ibuprofen prolongs the course of influenza symptoms by any effect on the immune system or by reducing fever 2.
- A study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of diclofenac-K and ibuprofen for the treatment of adults with influenza-like symptoms found that ibuprofen was effective in relieving symptoms and did not prolong the duration of illness 3.
- Another study on the tolerability of ibuprofen, aspirin, and paracetamol for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms and sore throat pain found that ibuprofen was well-tolerated and did not have any significant adverse effects that would suggest it prolongs influenza symptoms 4.
- A review of influenza diagnosis and treatment did not mention ibuprofen as a factor that prolongs influenza symptoms, but rather discussed the use of anti-influenza drugs and vaccination as treatment options 5.
- A critical review of the pediatric literature on ibuprofen use in children found that most adverse events reported were associated with fever symptoms or flu-like syndrome, but did not suggest that ibuprofen prolongs influenza symptoms 6.