The majority of people make a full recovery from flu without needing treatment, by just letting it run its course with the help of an analgesic such as Aspirin (children should not be given Aspirin as it can cause damage to the brain) or Ibuprofen if it is felt necessary. But there are exceptions. Flu can cause serious complications in infants and in people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, heart and liver disease, and a weakened immune system, and those over 65 years of age .
DO ANTIVIRAL DRUGS CURE FLU
No. Antiviral drugs can stop the virus from spreading, and less the risk of complications setting in, and help the patient recover sooner. Antibiotics will have zero effect on a cure for flu, and they will not normally be medically prescribed as they have no effect on a virus infection.
WHAT TREATMENTS WORK FOR SWINE FLU
Tamiflu:
This is the brand name of (Oseltamivir) and is manufactured by the Swiss firm Roche Laboratories is effective against influenza type A and type B. Type A (H1N1) is the current version of swine flu. Tamiflu needs to be taken within 48 hours of getting the first symptoms of flu, which usually starts with a fever, aching muscles, chills, sore throat and possibly a cough. If you have any of these symptoms it is important to drink plenty of fluids, as the increased body temperature will cause fluid loss due to dehydration.
Research has shown that Tamiflu is not a cure for flu but is likely to reduce flu symptoms by a few days and can also be prescribed by Doctors to people who have recently traveled to countries which have a high incidence of the virus. Patients who take the drug are less likely to suffer from bronchitis and pneumonia.
Tamiflu is prescribed in capsule or liquid form to be taken over a 5 day period, and as a preventive for a longer period, usually over 10 days, and is not given to children under 12 months old. Researchers looked out adults who had been in contact or nursing a person with fl, those taking Tamiflu were up to 90% less likely to catch flu themselves.
Relenza:
This is the brand name for (Zanamivir) and is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, an antiviral drug and is taken orally as a spray in powder form using a Diskhaler. It is usually taken twice a day for 5 days to treat flu. As with Tamiflu it should be taken within 2 days of the sunset of the same symptoms as above. If you are nursing or living with someone with flu then it can be taken once a day for 28 days as a preventative measure.
Relenza is not recommended for patients with lung problems such as asthma or COPD or emphysema, or children under 12.
Children and adolescents taking Relenza have experienced some side effects, such as anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, and depression and even suicidal tendencies. Doctors have warned patients of the possible side effects and unusual behavior and to seek medical advice should this occur.
This content is for information purposes only and should not be a substitute for a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.