Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Treatment of Flu

The majority of fit, healthy people can treat the symptoms of flu at home using remedies commonly available from pharmacies (See Common Cold).  Antibiotics are not prescribed for flu as they have no effect on viruses. They may rarely be necessary to control complications, especially serious chest infections or pneumonia.

It is usually advised that otherwise healthy people should stay at home and in bed for as long as the acute symptoms persist, this is usually for two or three days after the symptoms peak. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and to treat the symptoms as necessary. If there is a fever, sponge down with tepid water.See the encyclopaedia entries on colds, sore throats and coughs for symptom relief.

The G.P. may prescribe the medicines listed below if the person is at special risk of complications and it is known that Flu type A or B is circulating in the community.

Well-developed clinical guidelines exist to guide doctors in the treatment of flu. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) have also produced guidelines on the use of specific treatments for people at risk of complications (See Ref (1)).

Treatments for flu do not cure it but may reduce the severity and length of time that the infection and symptoms last.

Zanamivir and oseltamivir are antiviral medicines, which are active against the flu viruses A and B. They work by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body. Both need to be taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting if they are to work.

Zanamivir is taken by inhaling a powder through a device called a diskhaler. The dose is two inhalations twice a day for 5 days. Most people can safely take zanamivir. If they already have asthma or other lung problems it may cause shortness of breath, a reliever inhaler should be used if this occurs.

Oseltamivir is taken by mouth (orally) one tablet twice a day for 5 days. Most people can safely take Oseltamivir. However a smaller dose will be prescribed if the person has kidney disease. Oseltamivir can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. These side effects should not be serious but if they are, you should see your G.P.

Prevention of flu with any of these medicines is not recommended at the moment except when there is an epidemic. During the flu season, the NHS closely monitors the levels of flu and will notify doctors if other steps need to be taken to prevent the spread of the disease.

Amantadine is another oral medicine, which only works against type A flu virus. It is not recommended at the moment for flu treatment but may be used in exceptional circumstances if the other medicines are not suitable.

Medicines for Influenza
If you are taking one of the medicines listed below for a different condition (i.e. not Influenza) or your Influenza medicine is not listed above speak to your prescriber, GP or pharmacist or contact NHS Direct 0845 46 47

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