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Prescription Treatment for the Flu

When symptoms of the flu appear, many people will seek treatment at a physician's office. While the doctor may not always prescribe medication, various prescription treatments do exist for those who are eligible.

  1. Available Prescription Treatment

    • Antiviral medication, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are usually prescribed within 24 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, according to the Center for Disease Control.

    Who Should Receive Prescription Treatment?

    • Antiviral medication is typically reserved for those at high risk of complications due to the flu. These groups include children under the age of two, pregnant women, adults 65 and older and those with chronic medical conditions or autoimmune disorders.

    Antiviral Treatment Duration

    • Typically, a standard bout of antiviral medications is taken for five consecutive days. In situations where severe infection is present, or hospitalization is required, the antiviral medication may be taken longer.

    Effectiveness of Prescription Treatment for the Flu

    • Antiviral prescriptions for the flu are expected to be 70 to 90 percent effective, as long as the virus does not have a resistance to the medication.

    Prescription Treatment for Children

    • Antiviral medication is prescribed in liquid form for children if available. Otherwise, children's doses are available in pill form. Tamiflu is prescribed for children under the age of 2, while Relenza is used for children age 7 and over who have no underlying complications.

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