What are antivirals?
ANSWER
Antivirals are medications that reduce the ability of flu viruses to multiply. The CDC considers antiviral drugs as a "second line of defense against the flu." The first line of defense is getting an annual flu vaccine. When taken at the onset of flu, these drugs help decrease the severity and duration of flu symptoms. They can also be used in cases to help prevent the flu, but they are not a replacement for getting the flu vaccine.
Reviewed by Melinda Ratini on January 2, 2019
SOURCES:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/Division of Bacterial Diseases.
CDC: "2011-2012 Influenza Antiviral Medications: A Summary for Clinicians."
CDC: "Antiviral Drugs for Seasonal Flu."
CDC: "Get Smart. Know When Antibiotics Work."
Jewish Medical & Research Center: "Getting Well When you have a Cold or the Flu."
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Flu Facts."
CDC: "If You Have a Cold or Flu, Antibiotics Won't Work For You!"
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Antibiotics: When they can and can't help."
FDA: "FDA approves Rapivab to treat flu infection."
SOURCES:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/Division of Bacterial Diseases.
CDC: "2011-2012 Influenza Antiviral Medications: A Summary for Clinicians."
CDC: "Antiviral Drugs for Seasonal Flu."
CDC: "Get Smart. Know When Antibiotics Work."
Jewish Medical & Research Center: "Getting Well When you have a Cold or the Flu."
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Flu Facts."
CDC: "If You Have a Cold or Flu, Antibiotics Won't Work For You!"
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Antibiotics: When they can and can't help."
FDA: "FDA approves Rapivab to treat flu infection."
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