Effective Ways To Treat The Flu

The flu, which is also known as influenza, is a contagious illness caused by the influenza virus. This virus primarily affects the respiratory system and results in mild to severe symptoms, including a fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, as well as chills, coughing, fatigue, and body aches. Although most assume the flu is the result of one virus, there are actually several types of the flu, though some are more common than others. When battling the flu, individuals need to know all potential treatment options so they can fight it with all of the best remedies. Additionally, several of the treatment options available also act as preventative measures.

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral medications target the influenza virus in the body to decrease the duration of a case of the flu by one to two days. Antiviral drugs can also help lessen the severity of flu symptoms and prevent complications at the same time. There are three major antiviral medications designed to treat the flu, each of which comes with its own delivery route. Oseltamivir is administered orally, zanamivir is an inhalant, and peramivir is an intravenous medication. They are typically prescribed for five days and can be taken by children and pregnant women. Side effects from these medications are rare, but include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, congestion, and headache.

Over-The-Counter Medications

There are quite a few different over-the-counter medications designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with the flu, although they do not shorten the duration of the illness. Patients sick with the flu can choose to take just acetaminophen or ibuprofen like they would if they were only dealing with a headache, however, many companies offer specific cold and flu medication with not just one of either acetaminophen or ibuprofen included, but also other medications to help with other symptoms. Affected individuals should choose the over-the-counter flu medication that best suits their symptoms and preferences. Of course, they should always follow the dosage instructions on the package to avoid potential side effects, which can include stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea. Furthermore, patients should not use over-the-counter medication to treat the flu for longer than one week without consulting a doctor.