Flu Treatment With Antiviral Medicines

If you're looking for flu treatment and want to know more about the latest recommendations for antiviral medicine, read on. Antiviral medicine may help prevent flu or shorten the severity and duration of flu once you have it. Here are the latest antiviral drug recommendations. After you read this, talk to your doctor to see if antiviral drugs can help you feel better.

What are antiviral drugs?

Antiviral drugs are medicines that decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce. When used as directed, antiviral drugs may help reduce the duration of flu symptoms in otherwise healthy children and adults and may reduce the severity of common flu symptoms.

When are antiviral drugs recommended?

Antiviral drugs are recommended for both treatment and prevention of flu. If antiviral drugs are taken within 48 hours of onset of flu symptoms, the medication may reduce the duration of flu by one to two days.

While antivirals are not a substitution for getting a flu shot, these medications may be used to prevent flu.

How are antivirals used in preventing flu?

Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral if you come in close contact with family members or others who have the flu and you want to try to avoid getting sick. This is particularly important if you have a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. People with these chronic conditions are at a higher risk for flu-related complications, and it's important that they are protected from flu.

It's important, however, to remember that a yearly flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu.

Which antiviral drugs are recommended for both treatment and prevention of flu?

The CDC recommends the antiviral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu. Tamiflu, which is a pill, is approved for both treating and preventing flu in people one year of age and older. Relenza is approved for treating flu in people 7 years and older and for preventing flu in people 5 years and older. Relenza is inhaled through the mouth.

Both Relenza and Tamiflu are most effective when given within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Flu Prevention Strategies.

Do antiviral drugs for flu have side effects?

The main side effects of Tamiflu are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Relenza is not recommended for individuals who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung disease. Trust your doctor to understand your health situation and to prescribe the antiviral drug that's safest for you.

When do I call the doctor about flu antiviral drugs?

Ideally, you should talk to your doctor about the flu vaccine and antiviral medicines, including side effects, before the flu season begins.

When you do get flu symptoms, it's important to call your doctor within the first 48 hours. There's a limited window of time where antiviral drugs are effective. Your doctor will want to make sure that the symptoms you feel are from flu — and not signs of another health condition. Your health care provider can then help you decide which antiviral drug is best for you or your child.