Antiviral Medicines For Flu

by Marie | Jul 14, 2020 | Antiviral | 0 comments

Antiviral therapy is one of the most widely used and effective options for serious viral infections. If you are experiencing flu symptoms and complications, check with your doctor.

Antiviral medicine can lessen the symptoms and shorten the time of sickness. They are also extremely effective in preventing serious flu complications such as pneumonia. These medications can treat milder or more serious illnesses, possibly resulting in immediate hospitalization. These prescription medicines, called antiviral drugs, can provide symptomatic relief in people with flu infections and at high risk of serious flu complications, such as people with diabetes mellitus, asthma, or cardiovascular problems. People at high risk of developing flu-associated complications can opt for antiviral drugs under the supervision of a doctor.

What are Antiviral Medications?

Antiviral medications are a prescription treatment for flu; they are effective against flu viruses in your body. It is best to take them only on the advice of a doctor. These medicines are different from antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections in the body. If you develop flu symptoms, antiviral therapy is a treatment option. Check with your doctor if you get sick; he/she may prescribe antiviral medicine to treat your flu. Your doctor will also check you for the risk of serious flu complications and if your symptoms worsen. The signs and symptoms of flu include chills, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, fever, runny nose, cough, or sore throat. Flu medicines work best when started soon after the illness begins. The treatment is extremely effective when started within two of developing flu symptoms; this way, antiviral agents can reduce the symptoms and the time of your sickness. They may also reduce the risk of flu complications such as respiratory problems requiring antibiotics, ear infections (common in children), and hospital stays. In patients with a high risk of serious flu complications, early treatment with antiviral agents means having milder symptoms instead of developing serious ones that require immediate hospitalization. Clinical reports state that adults who receive early treatment have a reduced risk of death. Evidence shows that flu drugs work best when they are started within 1 to 2 days of developing flu signs. However, the medicines are still beneficial in most cases where the individuals are more likely to develop complications or require a hospital stay to treat a severe illness.

What are the Antiviral Medications recommended for the Flu?

Doctors recommend antiviral therapy for both treatment and prevention of flu. Drugs such as oseltamivir, peramivir, Zanavir, or acyclovir are approved antiviral meds to treat flu illness. These medicines can shorten the severity and duration of illness, helping you to recover sooner. When hot soups and cough syrups are not enough to heal your sore throat, you might need antiviral therapy—an antiviral medication like acyclovir helps to reduce flu signs and help you feel better. However, the medication is not a cure for viral infection; it only helps to reduce the duration of sickness. The drugs slow down the growth of the virus and fight off the infection. The intramuscular administration of acyclovir is extremely beneficial in treating infections caused by the herpes virus, which results in shingles, swelling of the brain, and other infections. The medicine provides symptomatic relief and reduces pain and discomfort associated with herpes. Acyclovir, for flu or other antiviral medicine, comes with multiple risk factors, so be sure to use it under the guidance of a doctor.

Ideally, you should speak to your doctor about flu medications or antiviral Medicine before the flu season begins. When you get sick, it is important to consult your doctor before the symptoms appear.