Influenza treatment

Treating the Antibiotics aren’t effective against the flu because it’s caused by a virus, not bacteria. But your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infection that may be present. They’ll likely recommend some combination of self-care and medication to treat your symptoms. People who are at high risk for • adults ages 65 years and older • women who are • people who have weakened immune systems In most cases, however, the flu just needs to run its course. The best treatments for people with the flu are lots of rest and plenty of fluids. You may not have much of an appetite, but it’s important to eat regular meals to keep up your strength. If possible, stay home from work or school. Don’t go back until your symptoms subside. To bring down a fever, place a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead or take a cool bath. You may also use Other self-care options include the following: • Have a bowl of hot soup to relieve nasal congestion. • Gargle with • Avoid alcohol consumption. • OTC medications won’t shorten the length of the flu, but they can help reduce symptoms. Pain relievers OTC pain relievers can reduce the headache and back and muscle pain that often accompanies the flu. In addition to the fever reducers acetaminophen and ibuprofen, other effective pain relievers are naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin (Bayer). However, aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers for treating flu-like symptoms. It could lead to Cough suppressants Cough sup...

How Is Influenza Diagnosed? It is hard to know for sure you have the flu on based on symptoms alone. A doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed the flu or a complication of the flu. If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness because you are at high risk for complications or any other reason, you should talk to your healthcare provider. There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long you are tested within the first two or three days of illness and many providers use antiviral medications when they are confident of the diagnosis. How Is Influenza Treated? Treating the flu includes staying home, getting adequate rest and staying hydrated. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to treat the virus, and over-the-counter medication can be used to minimize discomfort associated with flu symptoms (for example, decongestant and antihistamine for congestion, cough and nasal discharge). Antibiotics are not useful in treating the flu but may be prescribed if necessary to clear up a related sinus or ear infection. Antiviral Medication There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs: • Oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu®), which comes in pill form • Peramivir (trade name Rapivab®), which is administered intravenously • Zanamivir (trade name Relenza®), which is inhaled as a powder • Baloxavir (trade name Xofluza®), which comes in pill form These drugs are approved for early treatment of influenza and have been shown to reduc...

• v • t • e Treatments for influenza include a range of medications and therapies that are used in response to disease The main classes of Symptomatic treatment [ ] The United States authority on disease prevention, the • Stay at home • Get plenty of rest • • Do not smoke or drink alcohol • Consider • Consult a physician early on for best possible treatment • Remain alert for emergency warning signs Warning signs are symptoms that indicate that the disease is becoming serious and needs immediate medical attention. These include: [ citation needed] • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting In children other warning signs include irritability, failing to wake up and interact, rapid breathing, and a blueish skin color. Another warning sign in children is if the flu symptoms appear to resolve, but then reappear with fever and a bad cough. Antiviral drugs [ ] [ medical citation needed] Four licensed influenza antiviral agents are available in the United States: Antiviral drugs to treat influenza Class Effective Against Drug Name ( Brand Name Year Approved Manufacturer Influenza A & B Relenza 1999 Tamiflu 1999 Rapivab 2014 Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor Influenza A & B Xofluza 2018 In Russia and China a drug called Interferons [ ] Interferons have also been investigated as Drug resistance [ ] Influenza viruses can show resistance to anti-viral drugs. Like the development ...

Need help deciding which treatments are effective for the flu? Wonder how you can manage the Which treatments should I take for flu symptoms? The If you have a runny nose, Some over-the-counter antihistamines often make people drowsy, whereas decongestants can make people hyper or keep them awake. Keep in mind that both decongestants and antihistamines can interact with other drugs you may be taking, and they may aggravate some conditions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which Which treatment should I use for nasal congestion? If you need immediate relief for swollen, congested nasal passages, you may get relief with an over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray. It is important to stop using decongestant nasal sprays after three days to avoid the development of rebound congestion. Some doctors suggest using a saline spray instead of a medicated spray. Saline sprays loosen thick mucus in the nasal passageways but have no rebound effect. They may be used for extended periods of time without significant side effects. Is it safe to take a decongestant if I have high blood pressure? Decongestants can increase Which flu treatment works best for my cough? An occasional Which flu treatment should I take to lower my fever and body aches? Children under 19 should avoid Be careful not to overdose! These drugs are often mixed in with other multi-symptom cold and Which flu treatment is best for my sore throat? Drinking lots of fluids and using salt water gargles (made by combin...