Medication
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. ...
- Try chicken soup. It's not just good for the soul. ...
- Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to combat the achiness associated with influenza.
Self-care
The best natural cold and flu remedies
- Hydration. Austin's number one recommendation for recovering quickly from a cold or flu virus is staying hydrated.
- Vitamin C. While vitamin C hasn't been proven to prevent cold symptoms, some studies have indicated it can shorten the lifespan of a cold.
- Sleep. ...
- Honey and tea. ...
- Chicken soup. ...
- Aromatherapy. ...
- A steamy shower. ...
- Gargling warm salt water. ...
Nutrition
What are other common illnesses similar to COVID-19 and the flu?
- Sinus infections
- Strep throat
- Bronchiolitis
- Asthma
How can I treat the flu naturally at home?
“You’ll need to drink plenty of fluids, which can be water, but you may also benefit from using electrolyte powder or solution, which you can buy from your supermarket or pharmacy.”
What is the best natural remedy for the flu?
How to best treat the flu?
What to do to cure the flu?
See more
How is the flu treated or prevented?
If you are sick with flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) and are not available over-the-counter. Antiviral drugs can make flu illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.
What are five ways to fight the flu?
5 Ways to Fight the FluGet the flu vaccine. It's the best way to protect yourself against the flu. ... Wash your hands well and often. ... Steer clear of someone who is sick (coughing, sneezing, etc.). ... Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow — not into your hands. ... Stay home if you have the flu.
What are the 3 ways to fight flu?
If you do get influenza, stay home, get lots of fluids and rest, and don't try to do too much too soon. If you notice flu symptoms early, ask your doctor about an antiviral drug like Tamiflu ; it's not a cure, but if taken early on it can shorten flu duration.
How do you treat Covid flu symptoms?
Generally, you'll need nothing more than bed rest and fluids. You also may consider an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce some of the aches associated with flu. If you are infected with flu, your health care provider may prescribe an antiviral medication.
How do you cure the flu quickly?
Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.Stay home. Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner. ... Hydrate. ... Sleep as much as possible. ... Ease your breathing. ... Eat healthy foods. ... Add moisture to the air. ... Take OTC medications. ... Try elderberry.More items...
What will the doctor do for the flu?
If you're in one of these groups or you have evidence of severe influenza infection, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication — such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab) or baloxavir (Xofluza) — to reduce the severity and length of your symptoms.
Can medicine help the flu?
Antiviral drugs can help treat flu illness: Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Flu antivirals are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, intravenous solution, or an inhaled powder) and are not available over the counter. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.
Does Elderberry help the flu?
Studies indicate that “a good quality elderberry extract product might be quite effective in shortening the duration and the severity of symptoms associated with the flu if taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms,” Greenfield said.
What to do if you have the flu?
CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
What is the name of the medication that is prescribed to treat the flu?
There are prescription medications called “antiviral drugs” that can be used to treat flu illness. What are antiviral drugs? Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, an inhaled powder, or an intravenous solution) that fight against flu in your respiratory tract. Antiviral drugs are not sold over the counter.
What is an antiviral?
Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Flu antivirals are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, intravenous solution, or an inhaled powder) and are not available over the counter. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia, ...
Why is it important to take antiviral medicine early?
It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat people who are very sick with flu (for example, people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, either because of their age or because they have a high risk medical condition.
How long does it take for antiviral drugs to work?
Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatments when they are started within 2 days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health condition or is very sick from flu (for example, hospitalized patients).
How to keep from getting sick?
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Can you buy antiviral medication over the counter?
Antiviral drugs are not sold over the counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from your doctor or health care provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections.
What are the other drugs used to treat flu?
Two other drugs, rimantadine (Flumadine®) and amantadine (Symmetrel®), were used to treat flu infection in the past. They worked by disrupting ion channels in the wall of the virus, preventing the virus from replicating during the initial stages of infection, soon after its been taken inside a human cell. However, rimantadine and amantadine are only effective in treating Influenza A, and several strains of flu have already developed resistance to them. Thus, the two medicines are no longer recommended in the United States for treating the flu.
Why are antiviral medications important?
Antiviral medicines are an important tool in both controlling influenza by treating the patient’s infection and helping to prevent severe illness that can result from flu, including bacterial pneumonia.
When was Peramivir approved?
For example, NIAID supported the initial Phase 1 clinical studies of peramivir, which was approved in 2014 by the Food and Drug Administration to treat flu infection in adults.
How to help a person with the flu?
If you do come down with the flu, these measures may help ease your symptoms: Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection. You may need to change your activity level, depending on your symptoms.
What to take for achiness from influenza?
Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to combat the achiness associated with influenza.
How long should you stay home with a fever?
To help control the spread of influenza in your community, stay home and keep sick children home until fever has been gone for 24 hours. Avoid being around other people until you're feeling better, unless you're getting medical care. If you do need to leave your home and get medical care, wear a face mask.
Do you need to be tested for influenza?
During times when influenza is widespread, you may not need to be tested for influenza. Your doctor may diagnose you based on your signs and symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you be tested for influenza. He or she may use various tests to diagnose influenza. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is becoming more common in many ...
Which treatments should I take for flu symptoms?
The flu treatment you should take depends on your symptoms. For example, if you have nasal or sinus congestion, then a decongestant can be helpful.
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.
Is it safe to take a decongestant if I have high blood pressure?
Decongestants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are oral decongestants commonly available in over-the-counter products. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about safety.
Which flu treatment works best for my cough?
An occasional cough may clear the lung of pollutants and excess phlegm. A persistent cough should be diagnosed and treated specifically. On the pharmacy shelf, you'll find numerous cough medicines with various combinations of decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics/antipyretics, cough suppressants, and expectorants.
Which flu treatment should I take to lower my fever and body aches?
Children under 19 should avoid aspirin. Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or medicines like ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) and naproxen ( Aleve) are over-the-counter options for fever and pain relief. Each medication has risks. Check with your doctor or pharmacist as to which medication may be suitable for you.
Which flu treatment is best for my sore throat?
Drinking lots of fluids and using salt water gargles (made by combining a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of salt) can often be helpful for easing the pain of a sore throat. Over-the-counter pain relievers and medicated lozenges and gargles can also temporarily soothe a sore throat.
Is an antiviral drug a commonly used flu treatment?
Antiviral flu drugs are taken to decrease the severity and duration of flu symptoms. In some cases they may be used to prevent flu. They include baloxavir marboxil ( Xofluza ), oseltamivir ( Tamiflu ), peramivir ( Rapivab ), or zanamivir ( Relenza ).
What is the best way to prevent the flu?
Annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu. Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for annual flu vaccination; however, prescription antiviral medications are a key component of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Take 3 Actions to Fight Flu, serving as an additional line of defense that can be used to treat flu. 1 All individuals who are hospitalized, severely ill, or at high risk for developing serious flu-related complications should be treated with antiviral drugs immediately if flu is suspected. 2
What is the best antiviral medicine for the flu?
For the 2020-2021 flu season, CDC recommends the use of four FDA-approved antiviral drugs to treat flu: oseltamivir phosphate, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil. Indications for each can vary by age.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Other symptoms may include a cough, runny/stuffy nose, and/or sore throat. Some individuals may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Healthcare professionals may treat patients based on their clinical judgment and knowledge about the level of local flu activity.
How long does it take for antivirals to work?
Antivirals work best when taken within 48 hours of getting sick, but may still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness. 2. Antiviral drugs are safe and effective.
