In some cases, influenza A symptoms can clear on their own with ample rest and fluid intake. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to fight the infection. These medications, known as neuraminidase inhibitors, reduce the ability of the influenza virus to spread from cell to cell, slowing down the infection process.
Full Answer
What are the treatment options for the flu?
Flu Treatment. If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at high risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms.
What are the different types of antiviral drugs for influenza?
These drugs can include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab) or baloxavir (Xofluza). These drugs may shorten your illness by a day or so and help prevent serious complications. Oseltamivir is an oral medication.
What tests are used to diagnose influenza?
He or she may use various tests to diagnose influenza. 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.
How do you get rid of the flu fast?
Lifestyle and home remedies. 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.
What is the best treatment for influenza type A?
Unlike bacterial infections, the influenza virus is best treated with bedrest. Most people feel better after a few days. Fluids, such as the following, are also helpful in treating symptoms of the flu: water....Common antiviral prescriptions include:zanamivir (Relenza)oseltamivir (Tamiflu)peramivir (Rapivab)
Which drug is indicated for influenza type A?
Zanamivir and oseltamivir are newer agents indicated for the treatment of both influenza A and B. For antiviral agents to be effective, they must be used within 48 hours of the onset of influenza symptoms.
What antibiotic treats influenza A?
Remember, over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they will not cure your illness. Antibiotics won't help if you have flu.
What is the first line treatment for influenza?
The recommended treatment course for uncomplicated influenza is two doses per day of oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir for 5 days, or one dose of intravenous peramivir or oral baloxavir for 1 day.
Is Tamiflu effective for influenza A?
Tamiflu is used to treat people 2 weeks of age and older who have the flu (influenza A and B viruses).
Does Tamiflu work for influenza A?
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral drug that treats both influenza A and influenza B, the two main types of viruses that cause the seasonal flu.
Is Tamiflu effective after 72 hours?
Most studies suggest that oseltamivir is most effective if initiated <48 hours after illness onset; early treatment mitigates severity and reduces illness duration by 1–3 days [1–5]. Drug delivery logistics will be challenging during a pandemic; initiating treatment <48 hours may not be possible.
Which type of flu is worse A or B?
Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza. This is because the symptoms are often more severe in type A influenza than in type B influenza. Type A influenza is more common than type B influenza. Researchers suggest that most adults have considerable immunity against type B influenza.
When is Tamiflu most effective?
Most flu researchers agree on the basics — that Tamiflu will reduce symptoms, like stuffy nose, sore throat, fever and tiredness, which is something many over-the-counter medications do too. “The most efficacy is received when treatment starts within 48 hours after symptoms start to appear.”
Is Tamiflu over-the-counter?
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a brand-name prescription drug that treats flu symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever or chills, body aches, and fatigue. It may also be used to prevent the flu virus, influenza. Tamiflu is not available over-the-counter.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 ...