From coughing and sneezing to fever and body aches, the flu makes itself known to anyone who has it. If you’re struggling with this highly contagious virus, you’re probably wondering, “What is the treatment for the flu?”
Flu treatments depend on the severity of your illness, and it’s important to understand your options. Here’s what you need to know about the different flu treatments and prevention methods.
Medications That Treat the Flu
Antiviral medications can reduce your symptoms and shorten your infection timeline. They work by stopping the attack so the virus is unable to attach to a healthy cell or copy itself. So, what is the treatment for the flu when you need antiviral reinforcements?
Common flu antivirals include:
- Rapivab (peramivir)
- Relenza (zanamivir)
- Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
- Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil)
Antivirals require a prescription, and you must follow the instructions closely for them to work. These medications are effective within the first day or two after you get sick with the flu. You can prevent complications by starting antivirals as soon as possible.
If you think you have the flu, put on a mask and visit a Centra Care urgent care center near you for flu testing and treatment. We may provide Tamiflu for fast relief from flu symptoms.
How to Manage Flu Symptoms
What is the treatment for the flu if you can’t take antiviral medications? If you’re unable to take antivirals, there are still things you can do to fast-track your recovery. Even if you can take antivirals, you should follow these steps to support your recovery:
- Drink plenty of fluids! This is vital to your recovery. Only drink water, tea, and drinks with electrolytes to replace fluids you’ve lost.
- Rest and relax – even after you start to feel better. Avoid overexerting your body before you’re fully recovered, especially if you have a severe cough.
- Take medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or decongestants to treat body aches and upper respiratory symptoms. Follow the instructions on the labels. As you start to feel better, you can reduce the dosage of each medication.
What to Expect if You Catch the Flu
Flu symptoms vary in severity, but you’ll typically start to feel under the weather within one to three days after exposure. You’ll start to feel feverish with chills and body aches that worsen as the hours and days pass. Once you reach the five to seven-day mark, you should notice a decline in symptoms.
If you’re healthy, expect a complete recovery within 10-14 days of being infected. If you’re immunocompromised, expect a slightly longer flu recovery timeline.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Chills
- Congestion
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
If you think you may have the flu, put on a mask and visit a Centra Care urgent care center near you for flu testing and treatment.
How to Prevent the Flu
By taking daily precautions to safeguard your health, you can prevent catching or spreading the flu. Take these steps to protect your health:
- Avoid contact: If someone you know is sick with the flu, wait until they’re recovered to visit them. Maintain physical distance with a mask if you have to be around someone who is sick with the flu.
- Get a flu shot every year: According to the CDC, getting a flu shot every year can reduce your chances of catching the flu by 40% to 60%.
- Take care of your body: You should also take normal health measures to strengthen your immune system against illness. This includes the basics: nutrition, exercise and sleep. Eating a nutritious diet and exercising often boost your immunity to viruses like influenza. Getting enough sleep gives your body time to repair and repopulate important immune cells.
- Wash your hands: Practice frequent hand-washing to prevent flu infections. Don’t touch your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands. Use hand sanitizer in between hand washes after touching common surfaces.
Why You Need a Flu Shot Every Year
Flu vaccines are your best protection against the flu. You need an annual flu shot because the influenza virus mutates as it circulates. Each year’s flu vaccine is updated to protect you against new strains. The best time to get a flu shot is before flu season starts.
Getting the flu vaccine increases community protection. When more people are vaccinated against the flu, fewer infections spread throughout a given area. This is known as herd immunity, and it can protect people who can’t get vaccinated, like newborns.
Vaccination reduces the severity of your illness if you do contract the flu. It also prevents hospitalization and other complications for people of all ages. Everyone over the age of six months should get an annual flu shot.
Visit Centra Care Urgent Care for Flu Testing and Treatment
So, what is the treatment for the flu? It depends on your health, how long you’ve had the flu, and whether you can take medications. Antiviral medications can reduce flu symptoms, but hydration and rest are vital to your recovery.
The best way to know if you have the flu is to get a flu test at a Centra Care urgent care center near you! Our providers can diagnose and treat flu symptoms, or offer preventative flu shots! Make an appointment at Centra Care Urgent Care for all of your flu care!
