Besides a Shot: Other Ways to Fight the Flu
by
Amanda Barrett, MA
Additional DefensesAside from a flu shot, what else can you do to protect yourself from the flu? Reduce Your Risk of InfectionThere are general measures you can take to reduce your risk of getting or spreading the flu:
It is also a good idea—as always—to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, drink plenty of water, engage in regular exercise, and find ways to manage stress in your life. This will keep your immune system strong throughout the cold and flu season. Give Antiviral Medications a ShotBesides the flu vaccine, antiviral medications are used to both prevent and treat the flu. They may be used to prevent the flu in certain high-risk people exposed to the flu. Antiviral drugs work by inhibiting the spread of the virus within the upper respiratory tract. The following prescription drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and available in the United States:
As treatment, they can reduce symptoms of the flu and shorten its duration. The sooner they are given, usually within 48 hours of the start of symptoms, the more effective they are. These drugs can also make you less contagious to others. Possible side effects range from nausea to unusual behavior, depending on the drug. Additionally, these drugs are not advised for all people or all age groups. Like any prescription drug, you will need to discuss your medical history with your doctor before deciding if an antiviral drug is right for you. All antivirals must be prescribed by a doctor. RESOURCES:Flu.gov
http://www.flu.gov National Center for Infectious Diseases
http://www.niaid.nih.gov References:Antiviral drugs for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza.
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Last reviewed July 2016 by Michael Woods, MD
Last Updated: 8/1/2014 |
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