None of them over the counter medicines work you need antibiotics.
Antibitoics don't have any effect on the flu, because it's a virus.
However, if you have a secondary bacterial complication, such as pneumonia, you should use antibiotics. But it's not so common, if you aren't a child, chronically ill or old.
The best way to decrease fever and other symptoms of flu are:
(If you don't have liver problem or gastric ulcer.)
1000 mg paracetamol 4 times daily
plus
400 mg ibuprofen 3 times dailyTake them "at different times" for better effect.
This is perfectly safe, but don't drink any alcohol.
It has been scientifically proved that alcohol impairs the immune system. Even if ýou feel less of your symptoms, it will take longer time to fight the infection. It's also a myth that alcohol can kill viruses in your throat. It can
not, because the viruses are inside your cells.
/Medical Student in Poland