Treatment
Treatment may include:
Antiviral Medicines
Antiviral medicines include:
- Zanamivir
(Relenza)
- This medicine may worsen asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Oseltamivir (and perhaps zanamivir) may increase the risk of self-injury and confusion shortly after taking, especially in children. Children should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior.
These medications do not cure the flu. They may help relieve symptoms and decrease the duration of the illness. They must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
Bed Rest
It is important to get plenty of rest when your body is fighting the flu.
Fluids
Drink a lot of liquids. This can include water, juice, and non-caffeinated tea.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
These medications are used to control fever and treat aches and pains. Adults can use:
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child or teen aspirin.
Decongestants
Decongestants are available as pills or nasal sprays. If you use a nasal spray, don't use it longer than 3-5 days. You may experience an increase in congestion when you stop using the spray. This is called rebound.
Saline Nasal Sprays
A study found that nasal wash may reduce symptoms, medication use, and school absence. * 4
Cough Medicines
These include:
-
Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines, including decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines, cough suppressants
- OTC cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants or children less than two years old. Rare but serious side effects have been reported. They include death, convulsions, rapid heart rates, and decreased levels of consciousness. The safety of these products in Serious side effects have also been reported in children aged 2-11 years. Research is still going on for the safety of OTC flu products for this age group. * 3
- Prescription cough medicines
- Cough drops
If you are diagnosed with the flu, follow your doctor's instructions .
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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