Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral illness passed from person to person in droplets from the respiratory system. While not as deadly as some other contagious diseases, such as bubonic plague and COVID-19, there are deaths from this disease every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, there were 34,200 deaths from flu in the United States during the 2018-19 season.
Flu Prevention
Flu season is usually between December and February, although it can last as long as May. It is a good idea to get a vaccination, or flu shot, by the end of November. (Currently, this is particularly important to avoid fighting influenza and COVID-19 simultaneously and to prevent the hospital system from being overwhelmed).
Thorough hand washing with soap and water will wash away the virus or use a hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Liquid particles can fly as far as 6 feet from a sneeze.
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes.
If you have signs or symptoms of flu, stay home and recuperate to avoid causing an outbreak.
Signs and Symptoms of the Flu
- Fever lasting 3 to 4 days
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Sneeze, stuffy nose
- Cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Complications
- Pneumonia
- Inflammation of the heart, muscle tissue, or brain
- Sinus or ear infections
- Sepsis, the body’s life-threatening response to inflammation
- Respiratory failure
- Kidney failure
- Exacerbation of asthma or heart disease
Treating the Flu
Here are common medications to treat the flu.
Tamiflu
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is the most commonly prescribed medication for the flu. It is taken twice a day for five days to treat symptoms and shorten recovery time, or once a day for ten days for healthy people with a household member or other contact with the flu. It is only effective within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
Tamiflu may cause vomiting or diarrhea, and because of the side effects, it should not be started when more than 48 hours have passed, as the side effects will outweigh the small possible benefits at that later stage of the flu.
Xofluza
Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is taken as one dose by mouth within 48 hours of symptom onset or in people exposed to flu patients.
Relenza
Relenza (zanamivir) is delivered using a diskhaler. Place the device into your mouth and inhale the medication. Hold your breath and remove the diskhaler. The medication is taken every 12 hours for five days. It is used to speed up recovery and prevent flu in people exposed to influenza.
Treatment is not a substitute for prevention and flu shots, but if you or a family member hasflu symptomsu, it is important to see your physician as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset) so that you will still benefit from possible antiviral therapy.
Treating the Flu With QuickMD
If you cannot see your doctor promptly, QuickMD can prescribe you Tamiflu online from the convenience of your home and instantly send the prescription to your pharmacy.
