Treatment options of Flu (Influenza)

Diagnosing the Flu

There are tests that determine if you have the flu if tested within the first 3 days of illness. Also, a doctor’s exam may be needed to tell whether you have an infection that is a complication of the flu.

Treating the Flu

Antiviral Medications - Some antiviral drugs are approved for treatment of the flu. They are prescription medications, and a doctor should be consulted before the drugs are used. Antiviral treatment lasts for 5 days and preferbly started within 2 days of illness so if you get flu-like symptoms, seek medical care early on.

Other - If you get the flu, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).

Management

• Have adequate rest and drink plenty of water.
• Refrain from work or school when having symptoms of influenza. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or deteriorate.
• Antibiotics are for treating bacterial infection but not for viral infection, and will not cure influenza or make recovery faster.
• Antiviral agents may reduce severity and duration of illness but must be prescribed by doctors.