How To Get Rid of the Flu Quickly

Got flu symptoms? It’s not always possible to speed up your recovery, but certain flu treatments can help reduce the length of your symptoms.

Enhancing, optimizing, and ensuring originality:

Experiencing the flu may appear as a minor inconvenience, yet in certain instances, this viral ailment can lead to significant complications. Despite the strenuous preventive measures taken by the medical community, including the yearly flu vaccine, a substantial number of individuals fall ill, requiring hospitalization, and unfortunately succumbing to the flu annually.

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the years between 2010 and 2020 saw a range of nine million to 41 million reported flu illnesses, 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 to 52,000 fatalities.1

Regrettably, no definitive cure exists for the flu. Antibiotics, designed to combat bacterial infections, prove ineffective against viral ailments. Generally, symptom management remains the primary approach while waiting for the infection to run its course. Nevertheless, there are potential strategies to ameliorate the impact if one falls ill.

Dr. Susan J. Rehm, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains that the flu stands as one of the few viral respiratory illnesses with specific treatment options. “It’s noteworthy that we possess targeted treatments for [the flu],” she stated to Health.

Outlined below are essential insights into treating the flu using antiviral medications, determining the appropriate juncture for seeking treatment to enhance recovery prospects, and other crucial considerations for those grappling with illness.

Take Antiviral Medication

“Antiviral medications specifically target the influenza virus, working to impede its replication process. This action, in turn, can contribute to mitigating the severity of flu symptoms and expediting recovery,” explained Dr. Rehm. “They stand as the sole proven interventions capable of influencing the gravity and duration of the illness.”

For those seeking effective antiviral treatment, several prescription options are available:

1. Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate): An oral antiviral medication.

2. Relenza (zanamivir): An inhaled antiviral formulation.

3. Rapivab (peramivir): Administered intravenously.

4. Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil): An oral antiviral drug.

These treatments are endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as viable approaches to address flu infection.

Who Should Take Antiviral Medication

Antiviral medications stand as a crucial resource for individuals facing a heightened risk of flu-related complications. These groups encompass:

• Elderly individuals
• Young children
• Pregnant individuals
• Those with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or heart and lung disorders

However, for individuals at a lower risk of complications, the necessity of antiviral medications might be less pronounced.

Dr. Pritish Tosh, an infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, elucidated, “Typically, individuals who are in good health and contract influenza infection can manage well through proper hydration and rest, often without requiring antiviral medication, unless the infection is severe.”

Nonetheless, there are scenarios where antiviral medications could still prove beneficial.

Dr. Scott Bernstein, an internist at Bon Secours Medical Group, expressed his willingness to prescribe antiviral drugs to patients at lower risk, highlighting the availability of rapid flu tests that yield results within 10 minutes. This allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about medication based on test outcomes.

When To Take Antiviral Medication

The timeliness of initiating antiviral medication plays a pivotal role in their efficacy. Optimal results are achieved when these medications are commenced within the initial 48 hours of illness onset. Nevertheless, there can still be advantages to taking antiviral medications even beyond this window.

Dr. Rehm elucidated, “In such cases, the potential outcome is a reduction in the duration of illness by at least a day. An ailment that might typically endure for five to seven days could potentially be shortened by a day or two.”

Know the Signs of the Flu

Recognizing the primary flu symptoms holds paramount importance in ensuring timely intervention. To aid in this awareness, Dr. Rehm introduces a mnemonic—FACTS—which encompasses fever, aches, chills, tiredness, and sudden onset.

Additional symptoms associated with the flu encompass:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or congested nose
• Headaches
• Vomiting (more prevalent in children)
• Diarrhea (more prevalent in children)

Dr. Bernstein further clarifies, “In most patients, the common flu manifests with fever and body aches lasting for a span of two to four days. Subsequently, a residual dry cough and persistent fatigue may endure for a considerable period.” Addressing these symptoms mandates ample fluid intake and the use of fever-reducing medications, as emphasized by Dr. Bernstein.

Other Tips for Fast Recovery

In addition to antiviral interventions, there exist alternative strategies to expedite your recovery and improve your well-being.

Stay Hydrated

Maintaining proper hydration while under the weather is essential, as illness can lead to dehydration. Whether you’re experiencing vomiting or a reduced appetite, prioritizing clear liquids like water or soup becomes crucial. Equally important is refraining from consuming alcohol or beverages containing caffeine, such as soda, coffee, or tea, as these can exacerbate dehydration.

Go to a Healthcare Provider

Seeking assistance has been streamlined, as highlighted by Dr. Rehm.

“In the present era, numerous avenues are available for obtaining medical assistance. This encompasses a phone consultation with your healthcare provider, virtual physician appointments, virtual healthcare provider visits, or even a visit to an urgent care facility,” Dr. Rehm underscored.

In situations where prompt medical attention is warranted, it’s vital to be vigilant if you or your child encounters any of the following:

• Signs of dehydration
• Seizures
• Fever in children under 3 months of age

Stay Home

Remaining at home and refraining from attending work or school, while focusing on recuperation, holds significant significance, as highlighted by Dr. Rehm.

“This practice is beneficial not just for your own well-being but also for the individuals in your proximity,” Dr. Rehm expounded. “It’s imperative to recognize the necessity of pausing and granting yourself the time needed for recovery. Persisting with regular activities while affected by the flu could potentially elevate the risk of complications and unnecessarily expose those in your vicinity to the virus.”

Following guidelines from the CDC, it is advisable to remain home for a minimum of 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medications.

A Quick Review

To effectively overcome the flu, it’s imperative to seek treatment promptly. Subsequently, it’s essential to commit to a period of rest and recovery. During this time, focus on proper hydration and allowing your body the needed reprieve, while patiently waiting for the symptoms to abate.