What are the treatment options for the flu?

Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral medication that can help you get over flu faster. People at high risk for complications (children under 5, adults 65 and older, and people with other chronic health problems like asthma or heart disease) should contact their doctors if they develop flu symptoms.

To treat symptoms:

• Get plenty of rest. Rest helps your body fight infection.
• Drink lots of fluids such as water and clear soups to loosen mucus and prevent dehydration
• Use saline (salt water) nose spray to loosen mucus and moisten your nose.
• To bring down fever, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These drugs may also ease body aches, but can take up to 45 minutes to work. A slightly warm bath or a cool, damp washcloth on the forehead may help reduce fever. (A warm washcloth on the forehead may ease sinus pain.)
• To relieve a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water a few times a day. (Mix one cup of water with one teaspoon of salt). Also, try sucking ice chips, hard candy or lozenges.
• A humidifier may ease dry coughs and congestion. You can also take cough medicine and decongestants available over the counter. Follow the label directions carefully.
• For stomachaches, plain foods and clear liquids may help. Adults can also take medicine to treat loose stools.
• Stay away from cigarette smoke, which can make symptoms worse.
• Avoid alcohol, which tends to dehydrate.

Consult your doctor if symptoms get worse or don't improve for several days.

In most cases, the treatment for influenza (flu) is simple: rest and fluids. This may take several days, and medications can be used to treat specific symptoms during this time. For example, decongestants can be used for nasal congestion while acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be used for fever and aches.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a prescription antiviral medication to help shorten the length of time you experience influenza symptoms, and help you avoid complications such as pneumonia.