Most people who contract swine flu have mild, self-limited disease that resolves with symptom-based care. However, antiviral drugs may be required in severe cases and for people at high risk of complications of swine flu.
Symptom-Based Care
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most cases of swine flu resolve without medical intervention. However, there are some things you can do to help yourself feel better while your immune system does its job. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that you get plenty of rest, especially while you have a fever, because rest can help you body fight the infection. People who smoke should stop and everyone should steer clear of secondhand smoke, which can make respiratory symptoms worse. Clear liquids such as water, broth and sports drinks prevent dehydration and may help loosen mucus in those with congestion and post-nasal drip. For a sore throat, ice chips and Popsicles help numb the area while providing fluids. Other options include throat sprays, lozenges and gargling with warm salt water.
Tamiflu
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a neuraminidase inhibitor that works by interfering with the way the swine flu virus enters a person's cells. According to MedlinePlus, a patient information website jointly maintained by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, tamiflu is available in pill and liquid form. Both are taken as a 75mg dose twice daily for five days. Tamiflu is approved for the treatment of swine flu in all age groups, including infants. The most common side effects of Tamiflu are nausea and vomiting, which usually occur within the first two days of treatment. Taking Tamiflu with food can help decrease these side effects. Neuraminidase inhibitors such as Tamiflu should be started as soon as possible after the onset of swine flu symptoms. When started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, according to the CDC, neuraminidase inhibitors reduce the duration of symptoms by one to two days and decrease the risk of serious swine flu-related complications.
Relenza
Like Tamiflu, Relenza (zanamivir) is also a neuraminidase inhibitor. Unlike Tamiflu, Relenza is a 10mg dose inhaled dose administered through a disc inhaler twice daily for five days. Relenza is approved for swine flu treatment in adults and children 5 and older. According to MedlinePlus, the most common side effects of Relenza are dizziness, sinus inflammation, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, diarrhea, nausea and headache. Relenza can cause wheezing and breathing problems in people with lung and heart disease; people with these kinds of medical problems should take Tamiflu instead.
