If you have a fever accompanied by pain in your bones and joints, it could be a symptom of bone flu. To relieve these complaints, there are several types of bone flu drugs that can be used.
Bone flu is actually not a disease, but a symptom of a certain disease. Bone flu is often associated with chikungunya disease, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and osteomyelitis, so both are often mistaken for bone flu.
Joint pain described as a symptom of bone flu usually appears in the knee area. However, it is possible for pain to arise in the spine and wrist to the fingers and toes.
Bone Flu Drugs Based on the Cause
Some diseases can cause symptoms of bone flu, namely pain in the joints or bones accompanied by fever. Diseases that often cause symptoms like this are: dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), chikungunya, and influenza.
To relieve the symptoms of bone flu caused by these three diseases, there are several types of bone flu drugs that can be prescribed by doctors, including:
Paracetamol
This drug is used as a fever reducer and pain reliever caused by inflammation and infection. Apart from prescription, paracetamol is also available at pharmacies and can be purchased over the counter. However, make sure you read the instructions for using the drug listed on the packaging label before consuming it.
You need to know, the maximum dose of paracetamol is 1000 mg per one drink or no more than 4000 mg per day. Consumption of this drug in excess of the recommended dose can cause side effects in the form of liver damage.
Naproxen
Naproxen is used to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling in joints due to inflammation. This medicine can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription and you are advised to always follow the instructions for using this medicine according to the doctor's advice.
The maximum dose of naproxen is 1500 mg per day. Immediately stop using and visit the nearest hospital if allergy symptoms appear, which are characterized by chest pain, skin rashes, and swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.
Aspirin and ibuprofen
Aspirin and ibuprofen can also be used to relieve fever and pain. However, this drug is not recommended to be taken before getting a proper diagnosis from a doctor. The reason is because these two drugs can cause side effects of bleeding and ulcers in the stomach which can worsen DHF.
To treat bone flu caused by osteomyelitis, treatment with antibiotics is needed according to a doctor's prescription. If the osteomyelitis is severe, surgery may be needed to treat the condition.
Generally, bone flu due to influenza, dengue, and chikungunya will subside within 7-10 days. To speed up healing, you are advised to rest completely and drink lots of water. To reduce pain and swelling in the joints, you can use cold compresses interspersed with warm compresses.
However, if after taking the bone flu medicine, the complaint does not go away or it gets worse, immediately consult a doctor for treatment.
You also need to consult a doctor if the symptoms of bone flu are felt for weeks or often come and go. Bone flu that is prolonged and often recurs can signal an autoimmune disease.
In determining the diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as blood tests and X-rays, to determine the cause of bone flu. After the cause of the appearance of bone flu symptoms is known, the new doctor can provide appropriate treatment.
