If you are otherwise fit and healthy, you can manage your symptoms of seasonal flu at home (see below). You will usually get better without treatment.
People who are in at risk groups or who are becoming more ill should stay at home and contact their GP promptly for advice and possible treatment.
If your symptoms have only just developed, you may be prescribed antiviral medication (see below).
Antibiotics are not prescribed for flu as they have no effect on viruses. However, occasionally it may be necessary to treat complications of flu, especially serious chest infections or pneumonia.
Caring for yourself at home
Make sure you have plenty of rest and are taking paracetamol-based cold remedies to lower your temperature and relieve symptoms.
Some over-the-counter treatments can be given to children who have flu, according to the instructions supplied with each medicine. Under-16s must not take aspirin or ready-made flu remedies containing it.
Always read the medicine's label or check with the pharmacist that it is suitable for children to take.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are recovering. You may need to stay in bed for two or three days after your symptoms peak.
Antiviral medication
If you are in a high-risk group and have flu-like symptoms, see your GP. You may be prescribed antivirals to take as soon as possible.
They will not cure flu but will help to:
- reduce the length of time you are ill by around one day,
- relieve some of the symptoms, and
- reduce the potential for serious complications.
Antivirals work by stopping the virus from multiplying in your body. The different types of antiviral medication are outlined below.
Zanamivir (Relenza)
Zanamivir is a dry powder that is breathed in through a device called a diskhaler. You need to start taking it within 48 hours of your first flu symptoms (36 hours for children). The dose is two inhalations twice a day for five days.
Most people can safely take zanamivir, although in the UK it is normally used by people over 65 or those who have a medical condition. It is the preferred antiviral treatment for pregnant women.
Adverse effects from zanamivir are rare.
In February 2009, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) updated its guidance on antivirals for the treatment of flu. Zanamivir is now recommended as a treatment option for children aged five to 12 in at-risk groups, providing that flu is circulating and they can start treatment within 36 hours of their symptoms starting.
NICE has also recommended zanamivir as a treatment option for at-risk people in care homes if there was an outbreak of flu in the home.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Oseltamivir is taken by mouth (orally) in capsule or liquid form. As with zanamivir, you need to start taking oseltamivir within 48 hours of getting the first symptoms of flu.
The dose is usually one tablet twice a day for five days. However, if you have kidney disease you may be prescribed a smaller dose.
Most people can safely take oseltamivir, but it is usually taken by people aged over 65 or those who have a medical condition.
Oseltamivir is not recommended for children under the age of one.
Oseltamivir can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. These side effects should not be serious but see your GP if you are worried.
NICE has recommended oseltamivir as a treatment option for people in care homes, if there was an outbreak of flu in the home.
Amantadine
Amantadine is another oral antiviral medicine, which only works against type A flu virus (see Causes).
Amantadine is not recommended to treat or prevent flu in the UK at the moment (except in exceptional circumstances if the other medicines are not suitable), because there is not enough evidence to show whether it helps those who are most at risk from the virus, such as the elderly and those with a medical condition.