Flu in Adults (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Flu in Adults Overview
- Flu in Adults Causes
- Flu in Adults Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Flu in Adults Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Natural Cold & Flu Remedies - Slideshow

Medications
Some medications can be used to decrease the severity and duration of a flu attack. These are referred to as antiviral drugs.
- Amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine) are active only against influenza A. Amantadine and rimantadine are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the 2005-2006 influenza season. Laboratory testing by the CDC on the predominant strain of influenza (H3N2) currently circulating in the United States shows that it is resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.
- Zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are active against both influenza A and B and have not developed resistance.
- Zanamivir and oseltamivir are most effective when given within 48 hours of the onset of illness. They can decrease the duration of the disease by 1 day if used within this early time period. They are usually given for a period of about 5-7 days. Information is not conclusive whether or not these drugs can prevent complications of the flu.
- Side effects may include nervousness, poor concentration, nausea, and vomiting. Serious effects such as worsening of asthma may occur if you have a history of asthma. Discuss side effects with your doctor.
When the lungs get infected, causing pneumonia, other antiviral drugs such as ribavirin and sometimes antibiotics may be needed.
- For nasal congestion, the doctor may suggest the use of over-the-counter decongestants. Anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or glaucoma (high pressure of the eye) should not use these decongestants.
- Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) and oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Afrin) are available as nasal sprays or drops. Use 2-3 sprays in each nostril as indicated on the label. Only use these nasal sprays or drops for up to 3 days. If they are used for more than that, the medication can actually worsen the congestion. These medications are not recommended for children.
- Pseudoephedrine tablets (Sudafed) tablets may help congestion.
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Influenza virus infection, one of the most common infectious diseases, is a highly contagious airborne disease that causes an acute febrile illness and results in variable degrees of systemic symptoms, ranging from mild fatigue to respiratory failure and death.
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