How Does the Doctor Treat the Flu?

Most cases of the flu can be treated by staying home, getting plenty of rest, and drinking lots of fluids. It is also recommended to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol and to wear a mask to avoid infecting others. Over-the-counter medicines should be used to treat muscle pain, fever, sore throat, and congestion.

When to See a Doctor

• While it is possible to treat most flu cases at home, in some cases it is important to see a doctor quickly. If you suffer difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, or severe vomiting, you should see a doctor immediately.

  Health care professionals make use of two general types of drugs to treat influenza infections: symptomatic drugs and antiviral drugs.

Symptomatic Drugs

• Symptomatic drugs treat the symptoms of the infection, helping the body to heal itself and fight the infection. Doctors will prescribe drugs that reduce muscle pains, relieve sinus pressure, and combat fevers. Many of these drugs are available in over-the-counter forms, but, in severe cases, doctors can prescribe higher doses or stronger versions of the drugs than would be safe to take on your own.

  While these drugs can make you feel much better, they do not actually combat the influenza virus.

Antiviral Drugs

• Antiviral drugs are drugs that directly attack the influenza virus. They do this by preventing chemical process that the influenza virus needs to use to infect your cells and make you sick. All the drugs approved for use in the US block either the M2 or Neuraminidase proteins. The most well known of these is Tamiflu, but Relenza, Flumadine, and Symmetrel are also very effective. In Russia and China, another drug, arbidol, is also used, but its effectiveness has not been clinically proven. There are also several other experimental drugs in development that may see use in the near future.

  The problem with antiviral drugs is that the influenza virus can, over time, develop resistance to the most commonly used drugs. In some cases, doctors may need to use a cocktail of different antiviral drugs to overcome resistance.

Overall Advice

• Especially this year with both the risk of seasonal flu and the new danger posed by H1N1 ("Swine Flu"), it is important to take measures to prevent yourself from getting sick. Regular hand washing and eating a good diet can do a lot to strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy. Getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu is also highly recommended, and H1N1 vaccines may become publicly available as well.