what is flu treatment

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

1. Hydration. Austin's number one recommendation for recovering quickly from a cold or flu virus is staying hydrated.
2. 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.
3. Sleep. ...
4. Honey and tea. ...
5. Chicken soup. ...
6. Aromatherapy. ...
7. A steamy shower. ...
8. Gargling warm salt water. ...

More items...

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

What is the best treatment for flu?

Usually, you'll need nothing more than rest and plenty of fluids to treat the flu. But if you have a severe infection or are at higher risk of complications, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug to treat the flu.

How do you cure the flu quickly?

These remedies might help you feel better:Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ... Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.Soothe a sore throat. ... Combat stuffiness. ... Relieve pain. ... Sip warm liquids. ... Try honey. ... Add moisture to the air.More items...

Do you need treatment for the flu?

CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu and who are at higher risk of serious flu complications. Learn what to do if you are sick and what steps you should take to protect others. Prescription medications called “antiviral drugs” can be used to treat flu illness.

What is flu symptoms and treatment?

People at Higher Risk from FluSigns and SymptomsColdInfluenza (Flu)Chest discomfort, coughMild to moderate; hacking coughCommon; can be severeStuffy noseCommonSometimesSore throatCommonSometimesHeadacheRareCommon6 more rows

Does vitamin C help with flu?

In studies in which people took vitamin C only after they got a cold, vitamin C did not improve their symptoms. A note about safety: Vitamin C is generally considered safe; however, high doses can cause digestive disturbances such as diarrhea and nausea. Echinacea has not been proven to help prevent or treat colds.

How long does flu last?

The flu typically lasts three to seven days, according to the CDC. Serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia, can take longer to recover from. Some symptoms, such as a cough, can persist for more than two weeks.

Which tablet is best for flu?

Prescription anti-flu medicines include amantadine (Symmetrel®), rimantadine (Flumadine®), zanamivir (Relenza®) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). These drugs do not cure the flu, but they can make the symptoms milder and make you feel better more quickly.

Do antibiotics help the flu?

Will antibiotics help the flu? Antibiotics have no effect on the flu. The drugs won't relieve your symptoms, reduce the length of your illness or boost your immunity to other germs.

What causes flu?

The flu is caused by an influenza virus. Most people get the flu when they breathe in tiny airborne droplets from the coughs or sneezes of someone who has the flu. You can also catch the flu if you touch something with the virus on it, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.

How do I know if I have the flu or Covid?

You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 just by looking at the symptoms alone because they have some of the same symptoms. That's why testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis.

How do flu symptoms start?

Classically, the flu starts with a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscles aches, mild headache and fatigue. You may have other symptoms like a runny nose and cough, too. You feel lousy and you feel lousy fast.

How do you test for flu?

Flu (influenza) tests use a respiratory sample, such as a nasal or throat swab, to check for the presence of the flu virus. Your healthcare provider will perform these tests....There are several different flu tests, including:Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).Rapid molecular assays.Specialized laboratory tests.

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).

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Can amantadine cause nausea?

Antiviral medication side effects may include nausea and vomiting. These side effects may be lessened if the drug is taken with food. Most circulating strains of influenza have become resistant to amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine), which are older antiviral drugs that are no longer recommended.

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 ...

Can PCR be done in the hospital?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is becoming more common in many hospitals and labs. This test may be done while you're in your doctor's office or in the hospital. PCR testing is more sensitive than other tests and may be able to identify the influenza strain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it's possible to have a test to diagnose both ...

Can you take zanamivir with asthma?

Oseltamivir is an oral medication. Zanamivir is inhaled through a device similar to an asthma inhaler and shouldn't be used by anyone with certain chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma and lung disease.

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 ).

Why is NIAID working?

Because the influenza virus can develop resistance to antiviral drugs, NIAID is working to find new and better treatments to fight the flu. These efforts include supporting the development and testing of the next generation of antiviral drugs.

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.

How does neuraminidase work?

These drugs work by interrupting the function of neuraminidase on the virus surface and preventing the release of viral particles from infected host cells. These drugs can treat cases of both influenza A and B and have the biggest impact when taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, so rapid diagnosis and treatment are important.

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.

What is the best medicine for a runny nose?

Decongestants can relieve a runny, stuffy nose caused by the flu. Some decongestants found in OTC flu medications include pseudoephedrine (in Sudafed) and phenylephrine (in DayQuil ). People with high blood pressure are generally told to avoid this type of medication, since it may increase blood pressure.

How do antiviral drugs help?

Prescription antiviral drugs can help reduce flu symptoms and prevent related complications. These drugs prevent the virus from growing and replicating. By reducing viral replication and shedding, these medications slow the spread of infection in cells within the body.

How long does it take for antiviral medication to work?

It works differently than the neuraminidase inhibitors. For maximum effectiveness, antiviral drugs must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. If taken right away, antiviral medications can also help shorten the duration of the flu. Antiviral medications are also used in flu prevention.

When was Xofluza approved?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Trusted Source. also approved a new medication called baloxavir marboxil ( Xofluza) in October 2018. It can treat people ages 12 years and older who have had flu symptoms for less than 48 hours. It works differently than the neuraminidase inhibitors.

What are the best treatments for the flu?

The best treatments for people with the flu are lots of rest and plenty of fluids.

Why aren't antibiotics effective against the flu?

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.

How to bring down a fever?

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 over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Colds or flu that worsen can lead to: 1 Pneumonia. 2 Bronchitis. 3 Sinus infections. 4 Ear infection. 5 Worsening of existing health problems such as asthma and congestive heart failure.

What is the common cold?

What are colds and the flu? The common cold and the flu (influenza) are infections of the upper respiratory system - the nose, mouth, throat and lungs. The infections are caused by viruses. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

How do you get the cold and flu?

Cold and flu viruses are spread by touching your nose or mouth after touching an infected person, breathing in the air of an infected person's sneeze or cough, or touching objects that have come in contact with the virus and then touching your nose.

What is the purpose of antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat and ear, skin and urinary tract infections. Using antibiotics for infections they are not able to treat makes the antibiotics less effective for infections they are supposed to treat (a situation called antibiotic resistance).

What is the best medicine for cold and flu?

To ease the discomfort from specific cold and flu symptoms, consider using the following types of OTC medicines: To reduce fever and pain — analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is generally preferred. Ibuprofen (Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®) is also commonly used.

What does the D in a medicine mean?

A "-D" at the end of a medicine's name means it includes an oral decongestant. To relieve a runny nose or sinus pressure — nasal steroids: Medications like fluticasone (Flonase®, available without a prescription) or mometasone (Nasonex®; prescription needed) can relieve symptoms.

What to do for a stuffy nose?

To relieve a stuffy, clogged nose — decongestants: Try an oral decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®). However, insomnia, nervousness and irritability can occur when taking these drugs. Those who are pregnant or have uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid pseudoephedrine products.