ADVICE FROM HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING AND 3 MORE DOCTORS: IS THERE A CURE FOR INFLUENZA?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
There is no “cure” for influenza. But the flu vaccine decreases your chance of becoming infected and more importantly decreases the risk of you getting very sick. If you do develop symptoms of the flu, early treatment with certain anti-viral drugs can help you recover sooner.
Answered by Dr. Yosuke Hirasawa
Doctor of Medicine - MD · 11 years of experience · Japan
Influenza medications include oral medications, inhalers, and intravenous medications. High efficacy can be expected when used in the early stages, and it is said that it is best to start within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. However, in reality, the treatment policy is decided based on the symptoms and progress. Oseltamivir is an oral drug, laninamivir is an inhaler, and peramivir is an intravenous drug. Side effects of oseltamivir include diarrhea and abdominal pain. Influenza encephalopathy has also been reported to occur very rarely. Zanamivir is an inhaled drug that causes irritation to the respiratory tract, so caution should be exercised in patients with underlying respiratory-related illnesses. Laninamivir is similar because it is an inhalant, but it is a longer-acting type, so its effect lasts, but caution is required because it lasts for a long time even when side effects occur. Peramivir is an intravenous drug that is typically reserved for hospitalized and severe cases. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to discuss which one to use with your doctor.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to flu.
Answered by Dr. Gustavo Campos
Doctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience · Brazil
Yes, for sure. Our immune system is capable of treating influenza. In the majority of cases, the disease heals on its own. There are additional antiviral medications that may be used to treat the condition.
Answered by Dr. Hiroyuki Ueda
Doctor of Medicine (MD) · 3 years of experience · Japan
Within 48 hours of onset, the duration of fever can be reduced by taking anti-influenza medications such as oseltamivir. Otherwise, treatment consists mainly of conservative measures such as antipyretics, rest, and fluid intake.
| What are people curious about? | |
|---|---|
| Parkinson's foundation | Shingles vaccine |
| Henry meds | Weight loss medications |
Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-05-01T07:39:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd
