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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffUsually, you'll need nothing more than bed rest and plenty of fluids to treat the flu. But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). If taken soon after you notice symptoms, these drugs may shorten your illness by a day or so and help prevent serious complications.
Oseltamivir is an oral medication. Zanamivir is inhaled through a device similar to an asthma inhaler and shouldn't be used by anyone with respiratory problems, such as asthma and lung disease. Antiviral side effects may include nausea and vomiting. Oseltamivir has also been associated with delirium and self-harm behaviors in teenagers.
Some strains of influenza have become resistant to oseltamivir and to amantadine, which is an older antiviral drug.
- Key facts about seasonal flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Cold versus flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- People at high risk of developing flu-related complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Fort GG. Influenza. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- What you should know about flu antiviral drugs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Tang JW, et al. Emerging, Novel, and Known Influenza Virus Infections in Humans. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2010;24:603.
- The flu: Caring for someone sick at home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/homecare/. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Preventing the flu: Good health habits can help stop germs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- The flu: What to do if you get sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 25, 2011.
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