Test Your Knowledge

There is no cure for the flu (influenza). While symptoms of the flu are often painful, they typically pass within days without requiring medical treatment. Patients may take specific measures to reduce the discomfort associated with the disease. These include getting rest and drinking fluids to prevent dehydration.

In addition, taking certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help relieve the symptoms associated with the flu, such as fever, headaches and muscle aches. Patients should consult their physician before taking any type of medication, including OTC varieties.

Medications that contain aspirin should not be used in children, due to the risk of Reye syndrome, a serious disorder that may develop after viral infections. Patients with bacterial complications (e.g., ear infection, bacterial pneumonia) of the flu may be prescribed antibiotics. However, antibiotics have no effect on viral infections, such as the flu.

Medications are also available to help reduce the duration and severity of the flu. These antivirals are primarily used to treat patients with severe symptoms or at risk of complications. They limit the ability of viruses to reproduce and spread until the immune system can produce antibodies to fight the infection. To be effective, patients must begin to take the medications within 24 to 36 hours of the appearance of symptoms. These include:

• Neuraminidase inhibitors. These medications (zanamivir and oseltamivir) prevent the virus protein neuraminidase from working properly. Instead of separating from infected respiratory tissue, the virus remains attached and its ability to reproduce and be transmitted is limited. Neuraminidase inhibitors work on both influenza A and B. The side effects of oseltamivir may include nausea and vomiting and zanamivir can cause difficulty breathing. Some neuraminidase inhibitors may cause behavioral changes in some children. It is recommended that children taking these medications be closely monitored for any changes in behavior.
  
  
• Amantadine and its derivative rimantadine. These medications block the function of proteins on influenza A viruses, but are not effective with influenza B infection. Possible side effects of amantadine include anxiety, lightheadedness and insomnia. Rimantidine may cause the same side effects, but they tend to be milder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not recommend these drugs during the 2005-2006 flu season because some forms of the flu have demonstrated resistance. Therefore, their use may be limited in subsequent flu seasons.