The Flu
Alternate Names : Flu, Influenza A, Influenza B, Influenza C
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The Flu Treatment
If you have mild illness and are not at high-risk, take these steps:
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Rest
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Take medicines that relieve symptoms and help you rest
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Drink plenty of liquids
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Avoid aspirin (especially teens and children)
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Avoid alcohol and tobacco
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Avoid antibiotics (unless necessary for another illness).
If influenza is diagnosed within 48 hours of when symptoms begin, especially if you are high risk for complications, several antiviral medications are available that may shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 1 day. These include amantadine or rimantadine (active against influenza A only); oseltamivir and zanamivir (active against influenza A and B). Each of these medicines has different side effects and affects different viruses. Your physician will determine which one is best 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. It is available in a liquid formulation and may be easier to give to the child than zanamivir (Relenza), which is not licensed for children less than 12 years old and needs to be given by via inhaler. Treatment will only help if started early and only if the illness is actually influenza. It will not help treat a "regular cold."
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