Treatment For The Flu
Treatment For The Flu
Most people with milder symptoms feel better in 3 - 4 days. They do not need to see a doctor or take antiviral medications.
Doctors may give antiviral drugs to people who get very sick. People who are at high risk for problems from the flu may need these medicines.
These medicines may shorten the time you have symptoms by about 1 day. They work better if you start taking them within 2 days of your first symptoms.
Children at risk of a severe case of the flu may also need these medicines.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Millions of people in the United States get the flu each year. Most get better within a week or two.
But thousands become sick. They need to stay in the hospital. About 36,000 people die each year of problems from the flu.
Anyone at any age can have serious complications from the flu. Those at highest risk include:
- People over age 50
- Children between 6 months and 2 years
- Women more than 3 months pregnant during the flu season
- Anyone living in a long-term care facility
- Anyone with chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
In most people who are healthy, the flu goes away within 7 - 10 days.
Complications
Possible complications, especially for those at high risk, include:
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you get the flu and are at riks of having problems from it. Also call your doctor if your illness seems very bad.