Guide To Common Antiviral Medications

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is not a pleasant illness to experience. Symptoms include fever and chills, headaches, fatigue, coughing, sore throat, as well as body and muscle aches. Thankfully, most patients recover from influenza, though serious cases can involve a trip to the hospital. In addition, there is also an annual flu vaccine available to help prevent the flu and make symptoms less severe if patients still catch it.

There are also ways to treat influenza. Specifically, many patients will receive antiviral medication for the flu. Many options for antiviral medicine must be taken within the first forty-eight hours of symptoms. Certain anti-flu medicines are suitable to prevent symptoms in asymptomatic patients. However, most influenza medicines cannot be used within two weeks of receiving the nasal flu vaccine. Of course, patients should understand their various choices for antiviral medications and how they work first.

Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir is used in the treatment and prevention of influenza. It can effectively prevent and treat influenza types A and B. Doctors may prescribe this medication to prevent the flu in asymptomatic patients who have been exposed to the virus. Patients need to start taking oseltamivir within forty-eight hours of their first symptoms to treat influenza. Individuals who have received a nasal flu vaccine will need to wait two weeks before taking this medication.

Before prescribing this medicine, patients must review their medical history with their doctor. Their doctor needs to know if they have any history of kidney disease, heart disease, chronic lung disease, hereditary fructose intolerance, or conditions that cause brain swelling. This is vital, as this medication may not be appropriate for individuals with these conditions. During treatment with this drug, some individuals could experience side effects. Examples of the most common are nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Zanamivir

Zanamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor. It helps stop the growth of the influenza virus inside an individual's body. It is effective for the treatment of several types of influenza, including H1N1. This medication is inhaled as a powder, and most patients are advised to take two doses each day for five days. Before taking this medication, patients should let their doctor know if they have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or any lung disease. Their doctor will also need to know if they have a history of heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Individuals must use the provided inhaler for this medication. In addition, they should not remove the powder from its packaging. Zanamivir can cause dizziness, joint pain, and nasal irritation. Some individuals may develop serious breathing difficulties as well. This is especially common if they have asthma or other conditions that affect their airways. If breathing difficulties occur on this medication, patients should seek emergency medical attention.