Flu (Influenza)

Treatment

The flu usually resolves within two weeks without medical treatment. Because it is caused by a virus, influenza does not respond to medicines, such as antibiotics. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Patients who have the flu should be sure to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration). Alcohol and smoking should be avoided.

Medications, such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®), can be used to relieve headaches and muscle aches and to reduce fever. Aspirin should not be used in children younger than 18 years of age due to an increased risk for Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a serious complication that can develop following a viral infection.

Cough medicine usually is not necessary to treat coughs associated with the flu. If coughing interferes with the patient's ability to rest, cough medicine (often containing codeine, which suppresses coughs) may be prescribed.

If taken within two days of the onset of the flu, antiviral drugs may reduce the length and severity of the illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four antiviral drugs (amantadine [Symmetrel®], rimantadine [Flumadine®], zanamavir [Relenza®], and oseltamivir [Tamiflu®]) for treatment of influenza. Antivirals are not approved for children younger than one year old.

Antiviral drugs are prescription medications that are taken for 3–5 consecutive days. These medicines are effective against influenza viruses, but they are not effective against the common cold or other influenza-like illnesses. Side effects of antiviral medications include the following:

• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nervousness

Antibiotics are not used to treat the flu. These drugs often are used to treat complications such as pneumonia and ear infection (otitis media). In severe cases, patients may be hospitalized to receive intravenous antibiotics and breathing assistance.

Article Continues Below

Following recovery from the flu, patients should to return to normal activity levels slowly. This is especially important after severe illness or flu complications.

Prognosis

In most cases, patients recover completely from the flu within a couple of weeks. Children who are younger than age 5; people over the age of 65; and patients who have heart, lung, or kidney problems, diabetes, or cancer have a higher risk for complications from the flu.

In the United States, serious complications from the flu have increased in recent years, possibly due to an aging population. Primary influenza viral pneumonia is one of the most serious and difficult-to-treat complications. Following severe flu infection, high-risk patients (e.g., elderly patients, patients who have chronic health conditions) may develop serious, irreversible changes in heart, lung, or kidney function.

© 1998-2010 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.