Alternatives For Treatment Of Influenza
Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat the flu include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every person ages 6 months and older who is healthy enough to get a flu vaccine get one. Getting vaccinated helps to prevent influenza infections and spreading the virus between people.
Most flu vaccines are given by injection . However, the FluMist vaccine is given as a nasal spray. The CDC recommends that you receive a flu vaccine each year. Talk with your doctor for more information about the different types of vaccines, and to schedule a time to get your flu vaccine.
You may wonder how Tamiflu compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Tamiflu and Xofluza are alike and different.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine
Flu vaccines come in two forms, a shot and a nasal spray:
- The flu shot usually is injected into the upper arm or thigh, depending on a person’s age. It contains killed flu virus. It can cause soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Rarely, it might cause a low fever or body aches.
- The nasal spray flu vaccine contains weakened live flu viruses. So it may cause mild flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, wheezing, sore throat, vomiting, or tiredness. Like the shot, it can sometimes cause a low fever or body aches.
Both vaccine types cause the body to make antibodies to fight off infection by the live flu virus, and they work equally well. This flu season , get whichever vaccine your doctor recommends. People with weak immune systems or some health conditions and pregnant women should not get the nasal spray vaccine.
The flu vaccine is very good at protecting against the flu, but it’s not 100%. And it only works against some types of the virus. If a new flu type appears, a person who’s had the vaccine may not be protected against it.
A few people who get the vaccine might get the flu. But the illness will be much milder and go away sooner than if they weren’t vaccinated.
Does This Happen With All Immunizations
It can. Not everyone gets a sore arm from every vaccine, but different factors matter, like how the vaccine is injected. An intramuscular shot like the flu, COVID-19, or tetanus shots tends to cause more arm soreness than a subcutaneous vaccine. A subcutaneous vaccine just goes under your skinper the CDClike the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine , Dr. Schaffner said.
Your body’s individual response also comes into play, Aline Holmes, DNP, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing, told Health. “It’s really specific to your body,” Holmes said. “A lot of people get shots and have absolutely no reaction to them Others do.”
Also Check: Advocate Health Care Flu Shots
What Should I Do If I Think I Am Sick With Flu
If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs are a treatment option. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications and you develop flu symptoms. Flu signs and symptoms can include feeling feverish or having a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat your flu illness.
Flu Shot: Know The Facts
Influenza is a serious virus that leads to many illnesses each year. You dont have to be young or have a compromised immune system to get gravely ill from the flu. Healthy people can get sick from the flu and spread it to friends and family.
In some cases, the flu can even be deadly. Flu-related deaths are most common in people ages 65 and older, but can be seen in children and young adults.
The best and most efficient way to avoid the flu and prevent spreading it is to get a flu vaccination.
The flu vaccine is available in the following forms:
- injectable shot
- high-dose injectable shot
- intradermal shot
- nasal spray
The more people that get vaccinated against the flu, the less the flu can spread. It also helps with herd immunity, helping to protect those who cant get the vaccine for medical reasons.
Vaccination can also help lessen the severity of the illness if you do end up getting the flu.
Don’t Miss: How Long After Getting The Flu Are You Contagious
Im Pregnant Is It Safe To Get The Flu Shot
Yes, the flu shot is safe. Those who are pregnant should be immunized. Infants born during flu season to mothers who got a flu shot are usually protected against the flu for a few months. The flu shot is also safe and highly recommended for those breastfeeding. Since infants less than 6 months of age cannot get the flu shot , antibodies against the flu are transferred through breast milk.
What Else Should I Know
- If you have an egg allergy, get your flu shot in a doctor’s office, not at a supermarket, drugstore, or other venue.
- Sometimes people feel faint after getting a shot. To prevent this, you can sit or lie down for 15 minutes right after the shot.
- You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read Also: Sambucol Cold And Flu Relief Directions
Tips For Treating Side Effects From The Vaccine
Beyond taking medication, there are some home remedies that can help you cope with the side effects. Applying a cool, wet cloth to the spot on your arm where the shot was given can help with some of the pain, according to the CDC. Drinking lots of fluids is wise if you’re feverish, and wearing lightweight clothing can also keep you comfortable.
After your vaccine, you’re supposed to wait for 15 minutes before leaving the place where you got vaccinated to be observed for reactions or serious side effects.
According to the CDC, the side effects of the Covid vaccine should go away in a few days. That said, in some cases, the side effects can interfere with your ability to go about your daily life, so you may want to plan accordingly.
Also good to know: More people experience side effects from the second of the two doses. That’s because the first dose triggers an immune response, and the second dose “boosts” it.
What Is A Fever
First, some background: Fevers are a regulated increase in core body temperature as a response to unwanted microbial invaders. The more severe the infection, the higher the fever.
Having a fever is not all bad its how the body has evolved to recuperate from an infection. For many species, fevers are advantageous and beneficial for survival.
But fever comes with a cost. A body temperature thats too high can be deadly. For every increase of 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, metabolism goes up 10% the body begins to burn more calories than normal, temperature continues to rise and the body releases hormones to keep fever under control.
Many studies demonstrate what can happen when fever reducers are thrust into this complex dance. It turns out aspirin or acetaminophen may cause infected people to feel better, but they also spread more virus while suppressing their own immune response to the infection.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy people infected with a cold virus who took aspirin or acetaminophen for a week had a reduced immune response and an increase in viral shedding meaning producing and expelling virus particles from the nose. Another study showed that taking aspirin effectively reduced fever symptoms but increased shedding.
You May Like: Health Net California Flu Shot
Who Should Get Immunised Against Influenza
Everyone who is able to be vaccinated, should be vaccinated against the flu, every year.
Yearly flu vaccination is provided free through the National Immunisation Program for most people in the community who are at an increased risk of serious complications.
In Victoria, flu vaccination is free for:
- children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 6 months and over
- pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- people 65 years and over.
- people aged six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications:
- cardiac disease
- children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.
People not eligible for free flu vaccination under the National Immunisation Program can purchase the flu vaccine from their immunisation provider.
Can Tamiflu Capsules Be Crushed Split Or Chewed
Tamiflu capsules shouldnt be crushed or chewed. But in some cases, the capsules can be split open.
If you have trouble taking Tamiflu, your doctor or pharmacist may show you how to open the capsules. Then youll mix the contents of the capsule with a sweet liquid and swallow it.
Your doctor or pharmacist may also prescribe the oral suspension form of Tamiflu for you. This form may be easier for you to take.
You may wonder how Tamiflu compares to other medications that are taken for influenza . Here we look at how Tamiflu and Oscillococcinum are alike and different.
Read Also: Are There 2 Types Of Flu Vaccines
Side Effects In Children
During studies, vomiting was one of the most common side effects seen in children ages 2 weeks to 1 year. In this age group, 9% of children taking Tamiflu had vomiting. In children ages 1 year to 12 years, 16% of children had vomiting while taking Tamiflu. In the same age group, vomiting occurred in 8% of children taking a placebo .
If your child is vomiting while theyre taking Tamiflu, its important to make sure they stay hydrated and receive electrolytes during treatment.
Vomiting may lead to dehydration , which may be serious if not treated. You should call your doctor right away if your child has any of the following symptoms, which may indicate dehydration:
- a dry mouth
- no urination for 12 hours or urine that appears dark in color
Other common side effects seen in children taking Tamiflu can include diarrhea and diaper rash.
How Long Does The Flu Last
Most people recover from the flu in about a week. But it may take several more days for you to feel back to your usual self. Its not uncommon to feel tired for several days after your flu symptoms have subsided.
Its important to stay home from school or work until youve been free of fever for at least 24 hours .
If you have the flu, it can be passed to another person a day before your symptoms appear and up to 57 days afterward.
If you have any cold or flu symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, you must isolate yourself while getting tested and continue to practice good hygiene such as:
Don’t Miss: What Do They Prescribe For The Flu
Will I Still Be Contagious If Im Taking Tamiflu For The Flu
Yes, you may be contagious . Influenza virus is highly contagious. It can spread easily through droplets of saliva, or when someone coughs or sneezes.
If youre taking Tamiflu, the drug will help fight the influenza virus inside you. But you may still be able to infect other people while youre taking the drug.
People who have the flu are contagious for up to 5 to 7 days after their flu symptoms begin. Even if youre feeling better, you may still be able to spread the flu during this time.
You can help lower the risk of spreading influenza by:
- washing your hands often
- covering your face when you cough or sneeze
- avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
- staying home when youre sick
Tamiflu Use With Other Drugs
Tamiflu works to treat influenza by shortening the duration and lowering the severity of flu symptoms. However, flu symptoms can still be uncomfortable and interfere with your daily activities. Tamiflu can be taken in combination with other drugs that are used to reduce symptoms of the flu. Examples of over-the-counter drugs that may be used with Tamiflu are listed below.
Examples of drugs that reduce body aches, pain, and fever include:
- acetaminophen
Examples of drugs that reduce chest congestion and coughing include:
- guaifenesin
- dextromethorphan
Some of the drugs listed above cant be used in children. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you or your child starts taking a new medication. This is important to do, even if the medication is sold over the counter.
Combination medications, such as Theraflu
Other OTC medications such as Theraflu, which contains combinations of these drugs, may also help to improve flu symptoms. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether or not you should take any OTC medications for flu symptoms.
You should take Tamiflu according to your doctor or healthcare professionals instructions.
You May Like: Where Can I Find A Flu Shot
Can I Get The Flu Vaccine If I Have A Cold
Yes, you can still have the vaccine if you have a mild cold. If you are only experiencing a head cold with a runny nose or sniffles without a high fever, it is okay to receive the vaccination. However, if you are very unwell, wait until you are better. If in doubt, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Is The Nasal Spray As Effective As The Flu Shot
In the past, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended against getting the nasal spray vaccine.
The reason for this was because studies in children found that it was less effective than the flu shot for protecting against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza strains.
However, there have been recent advances in the production of the nasal spray vaccine.
Since the 2018 to 2019 flu season, the
- people with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or cancer
- those with weakened immune systems
- individuals living in a nursing home or long-term care facility
Getting your flu shot is also particularly important in light of COVID-19. Both the flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms and will circulate within communities this winter.
While the flu vaccine wont protect you from COVID-19, it can help prevent you from getting the flu.
In addition to keeping you out of the doctors office, this can also conserve medical resources for those that have COVID-19 or other health conditions.
Also Check: Does Cvs Pharmacy Give Flu Shots
You Should Stop Taking These Medications 24 To 48 Hours Before Your Shots
While research on OTC medications and the COVID vaccine is limited, another study has found that taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen did affect patients’ immune response to the flu vaccineand there are many similarities between COVID and the flu and how they present in patients. One of the authors of a 2015 study on the subject out of the University of Rochester Medical Center, David J. Topham, PhD, said in a statement that “unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, it’s best not to take pain relievers one or two days before the flu vaccine” because doing so “can dilute the power of the vaccine.” And for more COVID news delivered right to your inbox, .ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb
Do I Need The Flu Vaccine If I Am Travelling
Yes, studies have shown that the flu is the most commonly contracted vaccine-preventable disease among international travellers.
- Flu outbreaks have been linked to travellers.
- Certain types of travel where large numbers of people are likely to be in close proximity, such as cruise ship voyages or events that include mass gatherings, are particularly high risk.
- In tropical countries, the flu can occur throughout the year, so vaccination is worthwhile regardless of the season.
- In temperate climates in the northern hemisphere, the flu is more common between the months of December and March.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get The Flu Shot While On An Antibiotic
When Should Antiviral Drugs Be Taken For Treatment
Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be beneficial, especially if the sick person is at higher risk of serious flu complications or is in the hospital with more severe illness. Follow instructions for taking these drugs.
Where To Get The Influenza Vaccine
In Victoria the most common way people access the flu vaccine is from their doctor or a pharmacist immuniser . Some local council immunisation services also provide the flu vaccine as do some hospitals, maternity services and community health services.
Workplaces seeking to reduce the impact of flu infection on employees may also provide flu vaccination programs for their staff.
Recommended Reading: Is Flumist Safer Than Flu Shot
Where Your Child Gets The Vaccine
GPs will offer the vaccine to pre-school children. Ask the doctor’s surgery about vaccination for your child.
Primary school children and those up to Year 12 in secondary school will be offered the vaccine in school.
To allow your child to be vaccinated, you need to sign and return a consent form to the school.
If your child is absent or they need a second dose of the vaccine, the school will ask you to contact your child’s GP.
What Types Of Flu Vaccine Are There
For the 20212022 flu season, all flu vaccines will be quadrivalent, which means they protect against four different flu viruses: an influenza A virus, an influenza A virus, and two influenza B viruses.
- Standard-Dose Shot Made with virus grown in chicken eggs, these shots are approved for those who are 6 months or older.
- Cell-Based Shot These contain viruses grown in a culture made from mammal cells they are approved for anyone who is at least 4 years old. This vaccine is egg-free.
- Recombinant Shot These are synthetically created, egg-free vaccines approved for people age 18 and older.
- High-Dose Shot These shots contain a higher dose of antigen to help create a stronger immune response they are approved for people age 65 and older.
- Shot Made With an Adjuvant Approved for people age 65 and older, these shots contain an ingredient called an adjuvant that helps create a stronger immune response.
- Nasal Flu Vaccine Also known as the flu mist, the nasal flu vaccine contains live virus and is given via the nose. It is approved for people age 2 through 49. Live flu vaccines should not be given to people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
RELATED: Different Types of Flu Vaccine and How to Pick the Right Kind for You
Also Check: How Do They Do A Flu Test