Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Flu Cases Are Rising, But Do Antiviral Medications Really Help?

flu antiviral medicine

If <span>flu symptoms</span> such as fever, chills, coughing, a sore throat or a pounding headache start to creep in, many people assume the best option is to stay in bed and let it pass.

But even if you have managed the <span>flu</span> on your own in the past, this time it may be worth calling your doctor. That’s because antiviral flu medicines, including <span>Tamiflu</span>, can sometimes make a real difference.

Certain prescription drugs can shorten how long the flu lasts and lower the risk of serious complications, but timing is critical. Here’s how to work out whether flu antivirals could help you or someone close to you.

Flu antivirals are prescription medicines designed to help the body fight off the <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/influenza">influenza</a></span> virus. “They work by stopping the flu virus from multiplying and spreading through the body. Influenza is the virus that causes the flu,” explained Deon Pilkington, PharmD, a clinical pharmacy coordinator as per Banner Health.

These medications do not cure the flu, but they may:

<ul><li>Reduce how long symptoms last</li><li>Lessen the intensity of illness</li><li>Lower the risk of complications such as pneumonia or hospital admission</li><li>Common flu antivirals taken by mouth include:</li><li>Tamiflu (oseltamivir)</li><li>Relenza (zanamivir)</li><li>Xofluza (baloxavir)</li><li>Another option, <span rel="noindex">Rapivab</span> (peramivir), is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion.</li></ul>

All flu antivirals require a prescription and are most effective when started within the first one to two days after symptoms appear. That’s why reaching out to a healthcare provider early can matter.

Antibiotics should not be used to treat the flu. “Because influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help,” said Mallory Yan, PharmD, a pharmacist with Banner Health.

<h2>Who Is Most Likely To Benefit From Flu Antivirals?</h2>

Not everyone who gets the flu needs prescription treatment. “These medications are generally reserved for people who have confirmed flu and are at higher risk for complications,” Dr. Pilkington said.

You should contact a doctor promptly if you or someone you care for falls into one of these categories:

<ul><li>Adults aged 65 and older</li><li>Children under 5, especially those younger than 2</li><li>Pregnant women or those who have recently given birth</li><li>People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease</li><li>Individuals with weakened immune systems</li><li>Residents of nursing homes, group homes or long-term care facilities</li><li>Anyone whose symptoms are severe or worsening</li></ul>

Even healthy individuals may be prescribed antivirals if they live with someone at high risk. Limiting the spread of flu in households where complications could be serious is important.

<h2>When Should You Call Your Doctor?</h2>

If you are at higher risk, it’s best to contact your doctor as soon as flu symptoms begin. Starting treatment within 48 hours offers the greatest benefit.

<ul><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Chest pain or pressure</li><li>Fever that does not improve with over-the-counter medication</li><li>Chills</li><li>Body aches</li><li>Extreme tiredness or weakness</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Cough</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Headache</li><li>Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination or a dry mouth</li></ul>

If you test positive for flu or feel seriously unwell, do not delay. Beginning antiviral treatment within the first two days gives you the best chance of recovering faster and avoiding complications.

If you’re wondering, “Do I need Tamiflu?” remember that flu antivirals are most helpful when taken early, ideally within the first day or two after symptoms begin. Acting quickly can change how the illness unfolds.

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If flu symptoms such as fever, chills, coughing, a sore throat or a pounding headache start to creep in, many people assume the best option is to stay in bed and let it pass.But even if you have managed the flu on your own in the past, this time it may be worth calling your doctor. That’s because antiviral flu medicines, including Tamiflu, can sometimes make a real difference.Certain prescription drugs can shorten how long the flu lasts and lower the risk of serious complications, but timing is critical. Here’s how to work out whether flu antivirals could help you or someone close to you.What Are Flu Antivirals?Flu antivirals are prescription medicines designed to help the body fight off the influenza virus. “They work by stopping the flu virus from multiplying and spreading through the body. Influenza is the virus that causes the flu,” explained Deon Pilkington, PharmD, a clinical pharmacy coordinator as per Banner Health.These medications do not cure the flu, but they may:Reduce how long symptoms lastLessen the intensity of illnessLower the risk of complications such as pneumonia or hospital admissionCommon flu antivirals taken by mouth include:Tamiflu (oseltamivir)Relenza (zanamivir)Xofluza (baloxavir)Another option, Rapivab (peramivir), is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion.All flu antivirals require a prescription and are most effective when started within the first one to two days after symptoms appear. That’s why reaching out to a healthcare provider early can matter.Antibiotics should not be used to treat the flu. “Because influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help,” said Mallory Yan, PharmD, a pharmacist with Banner Health.Who Is Most Likely To Benefit From Flu Antivirals?Not everyone who gets the flu needs prescription treatment. “These medications are generally reserved for people who have confirmed flu and are at higher risk for complications,” Dr. Pilkington said.You should contact a doctor promptly if you or someone you care for falls into one of these categories:Adults aged 65 and olderChildren under 5, especially those younger than 2Pregnant women or those who have recently given birthPeople with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes or heart diseaseIndividuals with weakened immune systemsResidents of nursing homes, group homes or long-term care facilitiesAnyone whose symptoms are severe or worseningEven healthy individuals may be prescribed antivirals if they live with someone at high risk. Limiting the spread of flu in households where complications could be serious is important.When Should You Call Your Doctor?If you are at higher risk, it’s best to contact your doctor as soon as flu symptoms begin. Starting treatment within 48 hours offers the greatest benefit.Warning signs may include:Shortness of breathChest pain or pressureFever that does not improve with over-the-counter medicationChillsBody achesExtreme tiredness or weaknessDizzinessConfusionVomitingCoughSore throatHeadacheSigns of dehydration, such as reduced urination or a dry mouthIf you test positive for flu or feel seriously unwell, do not delay. Beginning antiviral treatment within the first two days gives you the best chance of recovering faster and avoiding complications.Early Action Makes A DifferenceIf you’re wondering, “Do I need Tamiflu?” remember that flu antivirals are most helpful when taken early, ideally within the first day or two after symptoms begin. Acting quickly can change how the illness unfolds.