According to the MedicineNet.com, influenza is a viral infection that enters the body through the nose, mouth or eyes. The flu is highly contagious and the first symptoms appear quickly after exposure to the virus. Since flu is caused by a virus, it cannot be cured by antibiotics, but over-the-counter medication, as well as antivirals, can be used to fight the symptoms of this illness. Influenza can be prevented by vaccinations. To prevent getting sick during flu season, avoid crowded places and wash your hands.
Flu Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, flu symptoms include high fever, fatigue, headaches, joint pains, muscle aches, chills, headaches, cough and loss of appetite. The WrongDiagnosis.com states that respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, and red nose are also common. Besides these symptoms, children can also have diarrhea and vomiting. Typically, flu symptoms appear only hours after exposure to the virus. Most patients suffer from flu related symptoms approximately a week. Some at risk groups such as elderly people or patients with weakened immune system may be at risk for such conditions as pneumonia after flu.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Over-the-counter medicines do not cure flu, but they offer temporary relief from the symptoms. For example, cough suppressants can be used to quiet dry cough, analgesics reduce fever and relief aches and pains, and antihistamines are typically used to get a relief from a runny nose and watery eyes. They can cause drowsiness, and many of them cannot be used while driving. Decongestants reduce nasal congestion. Expectorants thin the mucus so that it can be coughed up.
Antivirals
Antivirals can be used to attack the flu virus and to prevent it from spreading, says the FluFacts.com. These prescription drugs need to be taken 12 to 48 hours after the first flu symptoms have started. If taken after this time, antivirals have no effect. Antivirals can also be used to protect a person from getting flu when he has no choice but to be surrounded by people who are sick with influenza. It can also be used by people who are unable to take flu vaccinations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted such antiviral as Rimantadine, Zanamivir, Amantadine, and Oseltamivir.
