Flu sickens millions of American each year and, according to a 2003 report in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," exerts a staggering impact on the U.S. economy. According to Dr. Mark Fendrick and colleagues, flu contributes to a total of 100 million doctor visits at a cost of 7.7 billion dollars every year--a figure that does not consider lost productivity from work absences. Thus, it's no surprise that many people look for fast ways to get rid of the flu.
Rest
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with flu recover without medical care. However, rest plays a key role in the recovery process. The CDC recommends that people with flu stay home for at least 24 hours after the subsides. Attempting to maintain normal activity levels may backfire by extending the duration of symptoms and increasing the risk of flu-related complications, such as pneumonia.
Get a Flu Vaccine
A flu vaccination can reduce the risk of seasonal flu by 70 to 90 percent for healthy adults, depending on the quality of the match between circulating flu viruses and vaccine virus. In some years, the flu vaccine is less effective than others. However, even when the flu vaccine does not prevent a person from getting sick, it can still reduce the duration and severity of symptoms through a process the CDC calls "cross-match."
Take Antiviral Drugs (if Prescribed)
The Food and Drug Administration has approved two antiviral drugs, oseltamivir and zanamivir, for the prevention and treatment of flu. When taken before the onset of symptoms, the drugs usually prevent a person from becoming sick. When taken up to 48 hours after symptoms appear, the drugs usually reduce the duration of symptoms by one to two days.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine;" The Economic Burden of Non-Influenza Related Viral Respiratory Tract Infection in the United States; A.M. Fendrick, et al; 2003
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Selecting the Viruses in the Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Says "Take Three" Actions to Fight Flu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Questions and Answers about Antiviral Drugs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Seasonal Influenza: What to Do if You Get Sick: Taking Care of Yourself at Home
