WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR INFLUENZA (THE FLU)?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

To stop the virus from replicating, there are several antiviral medications that can be used.

1. Tamiflu * - Oseltamivir dosage is 75 mg every 12 hours for 5 days. It should be started within one to 2 days from the beginning of symptoms.
2. Relenza * (zanamivir inhaled) 
3. Rapivab* (peramvir IV) reserved for patients who cannot tolerate oral or inhaled agents.
4. Xofluza * - Baloxavir carboxyl: oral, can be given if a patient is older than 12 years. Dosage ranges between 40 mg and 80 mg, depending on the patient’s weight.

5. Zanamivir * intravenous can be used—but NOT for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

CAUTION:

1. All medication, including medications those that those that fight the flu have a risk of side effects.
2. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA (the FLU)

Most commonly the symptoms of Influenza (Flu) come on very quickly and very harsh. This distinguishes the Flu from most common colds. The symptoms that can occur are body aches, chills, fever, nasal congestion, cough, sneezing sore throat, running nose, headache, fever, and sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

WHAT CAUSES INFLUENZA (FLU)?

There are numerous types of influenzas that can cause Influenza (the Flu). In the United States the most common influenza each year is H3N2 which is a type A flu. But, there many other types of influenza, such as types B, and C. Some of these influenza are H2N2, H3N8, H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2.

HOW IS INFLUENZA (THE FLU) DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis can be made by a careful history and brief physical. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a rapid test that uses the secretion of the nose. Some of these test are 99% accurate —but other are only about 75% accurate.