The flu

Alternative Names

Treatment

If you have mild illness and are not at high-risk, take these steps:

• Rest
• Take medicines that relieve symptoms and help you rest
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Avoid aspirin (especially teens and children)
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Avoid antibiotics (unless necessary for another illness)

If the flu is diagnosed within 48 hours of when symptoms begin, especially if you are at high risk for complications, antiviral medications may help shorten the length of symptoms by about one day.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), which are active against both influenza A and B for patients who need to be treated. These medicines affect different viruses. Each of these medicines has different routes of administration and different side effects. Talk to your doctor about whether one of these drugs is right for you.

Treatment is usually not necessary for children, but if the illness is diagnosed early and the patient is at risk of developing a severe case, it can be started. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is the best choice for children age 12 and older. Zanamivir (Relenza) is not FDA-approved for children under age 7.

Treatment will only help if started early and only if the illness is actually influenza. It will not help treat a regular cold.

Outlook (Prognosis)

In most individuals who are otherwise healthy, the flu goes away within 7 to 10 days.

Possible Complications

Possible complications, especially for those at high risk, include:

• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if someone in a high-risk category develops symptoms of the flu.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention and Control of Influenza Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 2007. 56 (RR06):1-54.

This article uses information by permission from Alan Greene, M.D., © Greene Ink, Inc.