Take Your Prescribed Drugs
Prescription medications for the flu exist and are called “antiviral drugs.” Presently, the following four are approved for use: Tamiflu, Relenza, Rapivab, and Xofluza. These are often reserved for people who either have confirmed or suspected flu infections or who are at high risk of severe complications from the virus. Individuals who have diabetes, heart disease, and asthma will most likely need antiviral drugs.
An antiviral drug is designed to fight the flu virus and is not available over-the-counter. The benefit is that, when take at the start of the flu, these drugs can mitigate flu symptoms and reduce fever, thus shortening the time you are sick by a day. Antiviral drugs are also used to reduce the chance of complications, such as ear infections in younger children, respiratory issues, and hospitalization.
