What is the Best Treatment for the Flu?
If you believe you have the flu, the best thing you can do is to rest and keep yourself well hydrated. In some cases a doctor will prescribe medicine that helps to treat the flu further. People with whom the flu carries the most risk, such as elderly people or those with immune disorders, must remain particularly vigilant when it comes to flu treatment and prevention.
Other People Are Reading
-
At-Home Treatment
-
While at home, sleep, drink clear liquids and refrain from strenuous activities. Avoid any foods or liquids that will dehydrate you, such as coffee or alcohol. While many people who suffer from the flu lose their appetites, nutrition and protein is important to help your body fight the infection. Clear soup is especially good since it provides healthy nutrition and also helps to hydrate you.
To treat flu symptoms, take cold medications such as Tylenol Cold and Sinus. While over-the-counter medications will not cure the flu, they will help you tolerate the flu's symptoms so that you can rest and take care of your body more easily. Do not take over-the-counter medications in combination with prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Flu Medications
-
Since the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics have no effect. However, doctors recommend that some patients take other medications to treat flu symptoms and speed up the body's recovery. Medications such as oseltamivir or zanamivir help to contain the virus and prevent further viral growth within your body. Since flu medications have a variety of side effects, they are not for everyone. If you believe you have the flu, ask your doctor whether or not you should take any prescription medication.
Antivirals work best if you take them soon after you develop symptoms. If you come in contact with someone who has the flu, consider antivirals to decrease your chances of contracting the flu and/or transmitting it to others.
-
Flu Vaccine and Prevention
-
The best way to treat the flu is to prevent it altogether. Each fall, a new flu vaccine is released. While some people still get the flu despite flu vaccines, the vaccine greatly reduces the chances of flu contraction. People with autoimmune disorders and other people with whom the flu presents serious risks should get an appropriate flu vaccine every year.
In addition to vaccines, exercise good hygiene. Wash your hands after you go to the bathroom or encounter germ-filled environments such as hospitals or public transportation vehicles. If someone sneezes on you, do not rub your eyes or nose and wash your hands as soon as possible. Keep an eye on Center for Disease Control or World Health Organization updates on new vaccines and other ways to protect yourself from the flu.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Medioimages/Photodisc/Valueline/Getty Images
