According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza affects 5 percent to 20 percent of Americans each year. If you are one of them, the CDC recommends that you stay home and try to limit your contact with other people to avoid spreading the infection. Most people with flu have a mild, self-limited illness that resolves itself with supportive care, but antiviral drugs may be considered in people who are at high risk of complications from flu.
Supportive Care
Supportive care consists of rest, fluids and sometimes over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The main purpose is to keep the person as comfortable as possible while the immune system does its work. Examples of supportive care endorsed by the CDC include salt water gargling and sucking on ice chips or Popsicles for sore throat, a warm cloth or decongestants for stuffiness and a light blanket for chills. Supportive care for fever and cough are discussed separately.
Fever
According to the CDC, treating a fever can make the person more comfortable and promote rest. Apply cool cloths to the forehead, arms and body or, if the person feels well enough, try a tepid bath. If none of these measures works, try an OTC medication that contains the active ingredients acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products should not be given to someone with the flu due to the potential for complications such as Reye syndrome.
Cough
The dry cough associated with flu is often painful and interferes with sleep. A humidifier can help; adults and older children can also try sucking on cough drops or hard candies. If these measures fail, consider an OTC cough suppressant--not an expectorant. Consult with your pharmacist on the best brands for your needs. However, advises the CDC, children under 4 should never be treated with these medications.
Antiviral Drugs
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," two antiviral drugs, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are FDA-approved for the treatment of influenza. Both drugs work by interfering with the way the virus enters cells. Antiviral drugs are usually reserved for people who are hospitalized due to flu and people who are at high risk for complications of flu.
Tamiflu
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is available as a 75 mg pill for adults or a liquid for children; both are taken twice daily for five days. Tamiflu is FDA-approved for children 1 and up. However, in the case of suspected 2009 H1N1 flu, the FDA has authorized the use of Tamiflu in children younger than 1. According to MedlinePlus, the most common side effects of Tamiflu are nausea and vomiting, which usually happen within the first two days of treatment and can be reduced by taking Tamiflu with food.
Relenza
Relenza (zanamivir) is a powder administered by a disk inhaler. It is FDA-approved for adults and children 7 years and older for seasonal flu and children 5 years and older for H1N1 flu. According to MedlinePlus, the most common side effects of Relenza are dizziness, sinus inflammation, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, diarrhea, nausea and headache. People with lung and heart disease should not take Relenza due to the risk of wheezing and breathing problems.
References
- CDC: Caring For Someone Sick At Home
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; A.S. Fauci, E. Braunwald, D.L. Kasper, S.L. Hauser, D.L. Longo, J.L. Jameson, J. Loscalzo (eds.); 2009
- CDC: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu--What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs
