Flu treatments still available
Published 7:00 pm Saturday, February 1, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants people who may get the flu this season to know there are a number of antiviral drugs available through a prescription.
The CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu infection or suspected flu infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as people with asthma, diabetes (including gestational diabetes), or heart disease.
Antiviral drugs that fight the flu have to be acquired through a prescription from a health care provider and are not sold over-the-counter.
It is noted that antiviral drugs are not the same as antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections. Nor are antiviral drugs a substitute for the flu vaccine. CDC says the flu vaccine is still the best way to avoid getting the flu.
However, if you do get it, it’s best to start the antiviral drug treatment within two days of the onset of the disease.
Antiviral drugs can lessen fever and flu symptoms, and shorten the time you are sick by about one day. They also may reduce the risk of complications such as ear infections in children, respiratory complications requiring antibiotics, and hospitalization in adults.
For people at high risk of serious flu complications, early treatment with an antiviral drug can mean having milder illness instead of more severe illness that might require a hospital stay.
For adults hospitalized with flu illness, some studies have reported that early antiviral treatment can reduce their risk of death.
Even starting the antiviral treatment later in the illness can still provide benefits, especially if the patient is at high risk for complications, according to the CDC.
The Federal Drug Administration has approved four antiviral drugs — Tamiflu, Relenza, Rapivab, and Xolfuza. Check with your doctor on which is best for your case.
Don’t take chances with the flu. Get your flu vaccine and/or seek antiviral treatment if you come down with the disease.
Donna Price
