If you come down with the flu in the coming months, the good news is there is flu medicine available to help you feel better.
But what are the different types of medications you can take to treat the flu? And how do they work? We’ve got the overview and info that you need.
First, let’s review flu symptoms.
The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by viruses. It typically presents with symptoms like a high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fatigue and chills. Case numbers for flu viruses typically peak between December and March of each year, although flu season can start earlier and continue into late spring.
When it comes to the flu, most people recover fine at home. However, it can be a severe illness, especially in high-risk populations such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.
While the flu is a virus that will need to run its course, there are flu medicines that can help lessen symptoms, shorten the duration of the illness and prevent complications.
Let’s talk antiviral flu medicines.
Antiviral drugs are prescription medications that can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms when taken within the first 48 hours after your symptoms have started. Antivirals are typically recommended for high-risk individuals or those with severe illness.
One type of antiviral flu medicine is oseltamivir, or Tamiflu. Oseltamivir inhibits the enzyme neuraminidase, which the flu virus uses to spread within the body, and comes in both capsule and liquid form. It can reduce the duration of flu symptoms by one to two days if taken promptly, and may also prevent complications like pneumonia.
Zanamivir, or Relenza, is another antiviral drug that is similar to Tamiflu in that it also blocks neuraminidase, preventing the flu virus from spreading further throughout your body. However, it is administered via inhalation using a special device. Because of this, it is not recommended for people with respiratory conditions, like asthma or COPD, due to potential for bronchospasm.
Peramivir, or Rapivab, is an intravenous (IV) antiviral that inhibits neuraminidase. It is administered as a one-time IV infusion in health care settings. Therefore, it is typically only for people with severe flu or those who cannot take oral flu medicine.
And unlike the neuraminidase inhibitors listed above, baloxavir marboxil, or Xofluza, blocks a different enzyme involved in viral replication. This newer treatment option is a single-dose oral tablet that can reduce flu symptoms and viral shedding, with a unique ability to target strains that don’t respond to other antiviral medications.
All antiviral flu medicines are available only on a prescription basis. So, if you have the flu and feel like you might need to take an antiviral medication, it is important to contact and stay in touch with your primary care provider during the course of your illness.
But what if I just have a mild case of the flu?
Like most illnesses you catch during the cold and flu season, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications available that can help provide symptom relief. While these medicines do not shorten the illness like antivirals, over-the-counter medicines can help you manage discomfort.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are commonly used pain relievers that reduce fever, headaches and body aches associated with the flu.
Additionally, decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, or Sudafed, and phenylephrine, are commonly used to relieve nasal congestion. However, it should be noted that in 2023 the FDA advisory panel shared that phenylephrine is ineffective when taken orally. Furthermore, one of the side effects of decongestants is they can raise blood pressure. So, they should be used with caution, especially if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.
Dextromethorphan, or Robitussin/Delsym, is a common cough suppressant, while guaifenesin, or Mucinex, helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. These medications can provide relief from persistent coughing, particularly at night when you are trying to rest.
Also, don’t rule out home remedies when recovering from the flu.
Even while taking any type of flu medicine, you’ll still need to take supportive measures to make a full recovery.
Adequate rest allows the body to fight off the flu virus more effectively while staying hydrated helps prevent dehydration caused by fever, sweating and loss of appetite. So, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as water and electrolyte drinks, while avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
Additionally, consuming warm liquids, like soup or tea, can help keep you hydrated and soothe a sore throat while breaking up mucus. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, so it can help with congestion and cough as well.
Want to be proactive against the flu? Get your flu shot!
It can help you prevent the flu in the first place. The flu vaccine, available as an injection or nasal spray, helps the body develop antibodies that protect against the most common flu strains each season. It reduces the risk of flu illness, severity of symptoms and the chance of complications.
The flu vaccination is recommended for most people, especially those in high-risk groups with compromised immune systems. Plus, the more people who receive the flu shot, the more protected everyone is from getting severely sick.
As for flu medicines, including antivirals and over-the-counter remedies, they offer various ways to manage and mitigate the impact of your flu symptoms.
Learn more about the flu as well as the primary care services we provide at Mercy Health.
