Will An Antibiotic Cure Me Of The Flu
No, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and do not work on viral infections like the flu. This is another common myth about the flu and possible flu medicine used to treat it.
You might hear people say that they took an antibiotic and it cured them of the flu. Since the flu usually lasts about 5 to 7 days, it might seem that an antibiotic may have helped cure the flu. However, it is likely that the flu just resolved on its own.
Research studies of antiviral flu medicine shows that it can lessen symptoms of the flu and shorten the amount of time youre sick. If you think you may need a flu medicine to help with the flu, you should talk about it with your healthcare provider.
OTC flu medicines, as mentioned above, can help with symptoms but usually do not shorten the flus course.
How Does Paxlovid Work For Covid
The two medications in Paxlovid work together to help treat COVID-19. Both nirmatrelvir and ritonavir belong to the same class of medications: protease inhibitors.
Nirmatrelvir stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from copying itself. The virus relies on an enzyme in our bodies called protease to copy itself. Nirmatrelvir temporarily stops this enzyme from working so the virus cant use it to multiply.
Ritonavir helps slow the breakdown of nirmatrelvir. This helps nirmatrelvir stay in the body at higher levels for longer. In other words, ritonavir helps make nirmatrelvir more effective against COVID-19 than it would be on its own.
How To Get The Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. It’s offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.
The best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn before flu starts spreading. But you can get the vaccine later.
The flu vaccine is given to people who:
- are 50 and over
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in a long-stay residential care
- receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get infections
- frontline health or social care workers
You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:
- your GP surgery
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What Medications To Take For The Flu
The flu, from a medical point of view, it is considered as a acute viral infection, which is easily transmitted from one person to another caused by the influenza virus. It usually consists of an infection of the throat, nose and lungs. And although there are different types of flu, such as swine flu H1N1, the most common are flu caused by influenza A and B.
Most of the cases occur during the coldest times of the year, preferably during the autumn and winter months. And although in many cases it is actually confused with a cold, the fact is that while a person can get cold several times in a year, the reality is that they only get the flu once every few years.
In relation to the symptoms it causes, it is usually common to confuse the flu with a cold because in reality the symptoms are similar. However, in case of flu symptoms are fever, body aches, chills, dizziness, headache, decay and nausea and vomiting. These symptoms tend to start suddenly, then disappear little by little.
From the first moment symptoms appear, as a general rule they tend to disappear after 4 to 7 days, since it is the time it takes the body in general enough antibodies to defend themselves. That is why it tends to be said that in fact medical treatments do not cure the flu, but simply help in the process when it comes to relieve symptoms. That is, they are about palliative treatments, never curative.
Fundamentally, the medications that are prescribed in case of flu are:
Can Children Take Antiviral Drugs
Yes, though this varies by medication. Oseltamivir is recommended by CDC for treatment of flu in children beginning from birth and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends oseltamivir for treatment of flu in children 2 weeks old or older. Zanamivir is approved for early treatment of flu in people 7 years and older, though it is not recommended for use in children with underlying respiratory disease, including asthma and other chronic lung diseases. Peramivir is recommended for early treatment in people 2 years and older. Baloxavir is approved for early treatment of flu in people 12 years and older.
If your childs health care provider prescribes oseltamivir capsules for your child and your child cannot swallow capsules, the prescribed capsules may be opened, mixed with a thick sweetened liquid, and given that way. Learn more here.
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Ways To Treat Flu Symptoms And Feel Better
If youâre searching the web for flu treatment, you probably arenât feeling too well right about now. Hereâs the bad news: thereâs no cure for it and it usually lasts for one to two weeks. And just because you have the flu doesnât mean you wonât get it again, since there are many different strains of the flu virus. The good news? Just because there is no cure does not mean there is no way to feel better when you have the flu. There are several over-the-counter medicines available to you to help you combat the symptoms you feel while you are sick with the flu. And some medicines treat multiple symptoms in a single product.
Hereâs 10 ways to treat flu symptoms at home so you can get relief while your body fights the virus.
When you first come down with the flu, rest is what will help give your body the energy it needs to fight the flu virus and flu symptoms, which is why rest is one of the go-to recommendations for people suffering from the flu.1
Stay at home and rest, especially during the first 24 hours after becoming ill.
Consuming enough fluids is another regularly recommended practice for people who have the flu.1 Fever, a common flu symptom, is associated with dehydration, so it is important to get adequate amounts of water or other fluids to ensure that you stay hydrated while you have the flu.2
Other Considerations When Taking Cold Meds
Another consideration: Some meds contain added colors and flavorings. Make sure to mention all your allergies to your pharmacist when picking over-the-counter cold and flu medication, says Dr. Manukyan.
Also, its probably best to avoid drinking alcohol when taking any cold or flu medications. Alcohol can increase the effect of ingredients like dextromethorphan, and it can compound the sedative effect of antihistamines. Plus, many cold meds contain acetaminophen which could potentially lead to liver damage if mixed with alcohol.
The overall advice I would give before taking medication for colds or flu is to balance the benefits against the risks, Dr. Cutler says. Doing so may make moms chicken soup seem like the best medicine of all.
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When Do I Call The Doctor About Flu Antiviral Drugs
Ideally, you should talk to your doctor about the flu vaccine and antiviral drugs, including side effects, before the flu season begins.
When you do get flu symptoms, it’s important to call your doctor soon after symptoms appear. Flu drugs are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms, although they may help prevent severe disease when taken later.
Show Sources
American Academy of Family Physicians: “Tips for Treating the Flu.” American Lung Association: “Influenza Fact Sheet.” Mayo Clinic: “Flu Shot: Your best shot for avoiding influenza.” CDC: “Good Health Habits for Prevention ” “Key Facts About Antiviral Drugs and Influenza and “Seasonal Influenza: What You Should Know about Flu Antiviral Drugs.” UpToDate: Antiviral Drugs for the Treatment of Influenza in Adults. FDA: “FDA approves Rapivab to treat flu infection.”
Is An Antiviral Drug A Commonly Used Flu Treatment
Antiviral flu drugs are taken to decrease the severity and duration of flu symptoms. In some cases they may be used to prevent flu. They includeà baloxavir marboxil ,à oseltamivir , peramivir , or zanamivir .
Ideally, the first dose should be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Talk to your doctor, if you are at increased risk for complications from the flu. People at high risk include infants, elderly, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, those with weak immune systems. Native American and Alaskan Natives. Most antivirals do have side effects.
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What Are The Benefits Of Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral treatment works best when started soon after flu illness begins. When treatment is started within two days of becoming sick with flu symptoms, antiviral drugs can lessen fever and flu symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about one day. They also may reduce the risk of complications such as ear infections in children, respiratory complications requiring antibiotics, and hospitalization in adults. For people at higher risk of serious flu complications, early treatment with an antiviral drug can mean having milder illness instead of more severe illness that might require a hospital stay. For adults hospitalized with flu illness, some studies have reported that early antiviral treatment can reduce their risk of death.
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.
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Does Tamiflu Treat Bacterial Infections
No, Tamiflu doesnt work to treat infections caused by bacteria. Tamiflu contains the active drug oseltamivir, which belongs to a class of antiviral drugs called influenza neuraminidase inhibitors. These drugs target the influenza virus and prevent it from multiplying inside your body. This helps your immune system to fight off the infection.
Some bacterial infections can cause the same symptoms as the influenza virus does. But Tamiflu isnt effective to treat bacterial infections.
If you think you have a bacterial infection, talk with your doctor about your treatment options. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics that are effective to treat your infection.
What Treatment Options Are Safe While Breastfeeding
Natural remedies like saline nasal drops and warm salt-water gargles remain great options for cold and flu treatment while breastfeeding.
In addition, the following options are among those generally considered safe, according to the Mayo Clinic, which recommends seeking input from a healthcare provider before taking any medication:
- Analgesics for Pain and Fever Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen short term use only
- AntihistaminesLoratadine and fexofenadine
- Pseudoephedrine use with caution, as it can decrease milk supply
For breastfeeding mothers with the flu, who are at high risk of complications, antiviral medications are considered safe. Oseltamivir is the top choice, according to the CDC, adding that very little of the drug ends up in breast milk.
Additional reporting by Pamela Kaufman.
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Oseltamivir comes as a capsule and a suspension to take by mouth. When oseltamivir is used to treat flu symptoms, it is usually taken two times a day for 5 days. When oseltamivir is used to prevent flu, it is usually taken once a day for at least 10 days, or for up to 6 weeks during a community flu outbreak. Oseltamivir may be taken with or without food, but is less likely to cause upset stomach if it is taken with food or milk. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. Take oseltamivir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
This Problem Is Surprisingly Common Among Consumers
According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing , many consumers mix and match medications, leading to dangerous double dosing. The study investigated “whether the consumers utilized the active ingredients listed on the package and recognized the risks of double dosing when using two drugs with the same active ingredient,” and found that “both novice and expert consumers used the active ingredients to assess drug similarity, indicating that the information was accessible.” However, they did notice one major disparity between patients and doctors. “Only medically trained experts used this information to assess the risks of taking two drugs concurrently, indicating that they understood its diagnosticity or relevancy,” the team said.
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Do You Have A Cold Or The Flu
You feel a tickle in your throat, and then a headache coming on. You start to sniffle or sneeze, and suddenly you feel really tired. You know youre coming down with something but is it a cold, or do you have the flu?
With both conditions your symptoms can include a sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea, says Dr. Denise Campbell-Scherer, an associate professor in the department of family medicine at the University of Alberta. The main difference is that with the flu, youll have a temperature above 37.8°C. Flu symptoms also tend to come on suddenly, are more severe and are at their worst for the first three or four days after that, it can take up to two weeks before you feel better. A cold can linger anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, although one week is typical.
How Much Do Paxlovid And Molnupiravir Cost
Definite cost information for Paxlovid and molnupiravir still isnt available. The original prices reported were around $530 for a course of Paxlovid and about $700 for a round of molnupiravir.
More recently, news reports have stated that Paxlovid will be provided to all U.S. states at no cost. Merck has previously stated the cost of molnupiravir will also be lower than the original price given. But an exact cost hasnt been confirmed for either.
Well know more about their costs as these COVID-19 pills become available. Quantities of Paxlovid and molnupiravir are limited at this time. More courses of the two antiviral treatments will be shipped to the U.S. during 2022.
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Dont Give Children Aspirin
When the fever hits it can cause a headache and people desperate for relief might try aspirin. But aspirin, and other drugs called salicylates, can cause a serious complication in children under 18 known as Reyes syndrome. This can lead to problems with the liver and brain.
Whitely-Williams recommends acetaminophen or ibuprofen for reducing fever. But be very careful about reading labels of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take, especially if you’re combining medications overdoses can lead to serious complications.
As for adults taking aspirin or other fever reducers, a 2014 study using math projections suggested it may actually make the infection last longer and increase your risk of spreading the infection.
“An individual whose fever has been reduced is likely to feel better and is therefore more likely to interact with others,” the researchers from McMaster University in Ontario wrote. “In addition, fever suppression may increase both the rate and duration of viral shedding, further increasing the pathogen’s transmission rate.”
What Can You Do Without Taking Cold And Flu Medicines
For your fever, take acetaminophen. Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease.
For your congestion, try a humidifier. Moist, warm or cool air can help break up the mucous and ease your swollen nasal passages.
Get plenty of rest so your bodys immune system can fight the virus. Drink plenty of fluid.
With or without a decongestant or antihistamine your cold or flu is likely to last about 5-7days.
Wash your hands, especially after being out in public. When you are in public or havent washed your hands recently, avoid touching your face . And finally, please get your flu shot each year!
For more information about managing a cold or the flu with high blood pressure, please contact us at www.medsmash.com.
For further application, check out my personal blog.
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Treating A Cold Or Flu In Early Pregnancy
While it is usually recommended that women avoid medications during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, there are exceptions. Tylenol to prevent fever is recommended, as fever can be detrimental to a developing embryo.
This is not to suggest that all drugs have a potential for harm. In many cases, they don’t. But, in others, we simply don’t know. For this reason alone, you should adhere to your doctor’s advice to avoid all medications for at least the first 12 weeks.
Instead, make every effort to help your body recover by slowing down, resting, and avoiding stresses that can affect your immune system. You can do this by:
- Staying in bed, napping, and getting as much rest as possible
- Drinking plenty of water, soup broth, or juice
- Gargling with salt water to treat a sore throat or cough
- Sucking on ice chips to alleviate a sore throat and to help with hydration
- Using a humidifier to help relieve congestion
- Eating small, healthy meals regularly
- Taking your prenatal vitamins