Related Resources For Stomach Flu
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
How Long Does The Stomach Flu Last
Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve on their own. A norovirus infection typically lasts one to three days, but rotavirus gastroenteritis can take up to a week to clear. Viral gastroenteritis caused by adenovirus or astrovirus holds on longer, typically taking five to 12 days to resolve. Gastroenteritis that lasts longer than two weeks, or chronic gastroenteritis, is usually due to a bacterial or parasite infection.
Can I Get A Flu Vaccine While Taking Tamiflu
Yes, you possibly can. There are two types of flu vaccines: inactive and live .
You can get an inactive flu vaccine when youre using Tamiflu. However, you cant get the live influenza vaccine while youre taking Tamiflu. This is because the live vaccine may not work as well for you since Tamiflu will be fighting off the virus youre given in the vaccine.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about when the right time is for you to get a flu shot. If you have the flu or youre currently taking Tamiflu, remind your doctor or pharmacist. Theyll be able to recommend whether you should get a flu vaccine.
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Skip The Cough Medicine
The flu can cause a nasty cough that leaves you exhausted and sore. But over-the-counter cough medicines arent effective at quashing coughing, doctors say.
Thats because the doses of cough suppressants in these medications are too low, according to Dr. Richard Irwin, a professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts, and chairman of the cough guidelines committee for the American College of Chest Physicians .
Typically, they dont work, Whitley-Williams agreed.
Cough medicines that contain opioids like codeine should never be given to children, the Food and Drug Administration warned in early January.
Children should not take any cough or cold medications, said Dr. Nasia Safdar, medical director of infection control at the University of Wisconsin Health. They are not beneficial and might be harmful.
Also, whatever you do, don’t mix products containing acetaminophen like Tylenol or Nyquil or Theraflu. The recommended daily dosage for the entire 24 hours is no more than 4,000 milligrams . Going over that dosage just little can cause severe liver damage.
Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary For Clinicians
The information on this page should be considered current for the 2021-2022 influenza season for clinical practice regarding the use of influenza antiviral medications. Clinicians may also wish to consult the IDSA antiviral treatment and antiviral chemoprophylaxis recommendationsexternal icon, and the ATS-IDSA Adult CAP Guidelinesexternal icon.
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Side Effects And Risks
Tamiflu and Xofluza both contain antiviral drugs. Therefore, both medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.
More common side effects
These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Tamiflu, with Xofluza, or with both drugs . The common side effects seen with each drug can also be symptoms of the flu.
- Can occur with Tamiflu:
Serious side effects
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Tamiflu, with Xofluza, or with both drugs .
- Can occur with Tamiflu:
- severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis or a serious, life threatening rash
Financial And Insurance Assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Tamiflu, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
Genentech, the manufacturer of Tamiflu, may offer assistance to help lower the cost of Tamiflu. For more information and to find out if youre eligible for support, call 877-436-3683 or visit the program website.
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Prescription Medications: Antiviral Drugs
Prescription antiviral drugs can help reduce flu symptoms and prevent related complications. These drugs prevent the virus from growing and replicating.
Common antiviral prescriptions include neuraminidase inhibitors:
- zanamivir
Food and Drug Administration also approved a new medication called baloxavir marboxil in October 2018. It can treat people ages 12 years and older who have had flu symptoms for less than 48 hours. It works differently than the neuraminidase inhibitors.
For maximum effectiveness, antiviral drugs must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. If taken right away, antiviral medications can also help shorten the duration of the flu.
Antiviral medications are also used in flu prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , neuraminidase inhibitors have a 70 to 90 percent success rate in preventing the flu.
During a flu outbreak, a doctor will often give individuals who have a higher chance of contracting the virus an antiviral along with the flu vaccine. This combination helps bolster their defenses against infection.
People who cant be vaccinated can help their bodys defenses by taking an antiviral drug. People who cannot be vaccinated include infants younger than 6 months and people who are allergic to the vaccine.
Overuse can also limit availability for individuals at higher risk who need this medication to prevent serious flu-related illness.
The antiviral medications most commonly prescribed are:
- zanamivir
What Is The Stomach Flu
Viral gastroenteritis is a viral infection of the stomach and intestines that causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and abdominal cramping. While most cases resolve in a few days without serious problems, viral gastroenteritis can be a serious and even life-threatening infection in very young children, seniors, or people with immune system problems.
Several different viruses can cause stomach flu, but nine in ten cases are caused by norovirus. Rotavirus is usually the culprit when young children come down with stomach flu, but rotavirus vaccines have drastically reduced the incidence in the United States. Other viruses such as adenovirus , astrovirus, and sapovirus are responsible for a small number of cases, chiefly among infants and children. The influenza virus, however, never causes stomach flu, so a flu shot does not help prevent stomach flu.
Bacteria can also cause gastroenteritis, most commonly Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. Treatment and medications for bacterial gastroenteritis are covered more fully in their own articles.
Norovirus is a particularly contagious, tough, and long-lasting virus. It can survive extreme heat, freezing cold, withstand many disinfectants, and survive on surfaces for up to two weeks. For this reason, norovirus is responsible for over half of all foodborne outbreaks. About 21 million people in the United States get sick and nearly 800 people die from norovirus infection each year.
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Fda Approved Drugs For Influenza
There are four FDA-approved influenza antiviral drugs recommended by CDC for use against recently circulating influenza viruses.
Two older drugs, amantadine and rimantadine historically have been approved for treatment and prevention of influenza A virus infection. But many strains of influenza virus, including the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, are now resistant to these drugs. CDC has not recommended the use of amantadine and rimantadine for recently circulating influenza viruses, although recommendations could change if there were future re-emergence of specific virus strains with susceptibility patterns favoring such use.
Can The Flu Be Prevented
You can help prevent the flu by getting the flu vaccine every year. It’s best to get the vaccine as soon as it’s available.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months old and older should get a flu vaccine. The vaccine is especially important for people who are at higher risk of problems from the flu, including:
- Young children.
- Adults ages 50 and older.
- Adults and children who have long-term health problems or an impaired immune system.
- Women who will be pregnant during the flu season.
The flu vaccine is also important for health care workers and anyone who lives or works with a person who is at higher risk of problems from the flu.
The vaccine usually prevents most cases of the flu. But even if you do get the flu after you’ve had the vaccine, your symptoms will be milder and you’ll have less chance of problems from the flu. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.
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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.
Fighting The Flu At Home
The note that some of the most important ways of fighting the flu at home include:
- getting lots of rest
- drinking plenty of fluids, including juices and water
- taking acetaminophen or other over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever
- avoiding smoking or being around people who are smoking
- avoiding drinking alcohol while sick
Some additional ways to reduce flu symptoms include:
- taking a warm bath with Epsom salt or baking soda to relieve aches
- using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- applying a vapor rub to the chest, for adults
- using a saltwater gargle
- trying supplements, such as vitamin C, probiotics, or echinacea
According to a 2014 review , honey could also help with symptoms. Researchers found three studies providing evidence that taking honey right before bed can ease symptoms, such as a cough, in children.
Another study from 2014 found that taking zinc can help with flu symptoms by preventing the virus from rapidly spreading, reducing the duration of illness. However, there is not enough evidence to support routine or high dosages of zinc to prevent the flu.
Most people do not need to see a doctor for symptoms of the flu.
However, anyone at risk of serious health complications should talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms. They may also wish to do this if there is a local flu outbreak in the area.
- pregnancy
- kidney, liver, or metabolic disorders
- HIV
- weakened immune system
- blood disorders
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Which Flu Treatment Works Best For My Cough
An occasional cough may clear the lung of pollutants and excess phlegm. A persistent cough should be diagnosed and treated specifically. On the pharmacy shelf, you’ll find numerous cough medicines with various combinations of decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics/antipyretics, cough suppressants, and expectorants. Ask your pharmacist which combination, if any, would be appropriate for your cough.Ã Some research suggests that honey may help suppress a cough- but do not use in anyone under the age of one as it may cause a type of food poisoning called botulism in younger children.
What Are The Recommended Antiviral Drugs For Children
At the first sign of flu symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether antiviral drugs might benefit your child. These flu drugs can help a child get better sooner and may prevent serious flu complications.
Antivirals work best when taken during the first two days of illness. The first dose should be taken within 48 hours of when symptoms started.
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When Should You Call Your Doctor
911 or other emergency services if:
- You are having trouble breathing, or you feel very short of breath.
- You have a severe headache or stiff neck and are confused or having trouble staying awake.
- You have an extremely high fever.
- Your fever lasts longer than 3 days.
- Your child is 3 months of age or younger and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
- Your cough lasts more than 7 to 10 days after other symptoms are gone.
- You are coughing up yellow, green, rust-colored, or bloody mucus.
- You are finding it harder and harder to breathe.
- Wheezing develops.
- New pain develops or pain narrows to one area, such as an ear, the throat, the chest, or the sinuses.
- Symptoms don’t go away, even with home treatment.
- Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
Paracetamol For Pain And Fever
Paracetamol can be used for adults and children over 1 month for pain and symptoms of fever. Make sure youve got the right strength for your childs age and weight as overdosing can be dangerous.
Read and follow the directions on the label carefully. If you are not sure check with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Which Treatments Should I Take For Flu Symptoms
The flu treatment you should take depends on your symptoms. For example, if you have nasal or sinus congestion, then a decongestant can be helpful.
come in oral or nasal spray forms. Decongestants are used to reduce swelling in the nasal passageways. However, nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than a few days because, if they are used too long and then stopped, they can cause rebound symptoms.
If you have a runny nose, postnasal drip, or itchy, watery eyes — then an antihistamine may be helpful for your flu symptoms. Antihistamines block the effect of “histamine,” and help relieve such annoying symptoms as sneezing, itching, and nasal discharge.
Some over-the-counter antihistamines often make people drowsy, whereas decongestants can make people hyper or keep them awake. Keep in mind that both decongestants and antihistamines can interact with other drugs you may be taking, and they may aggravate some conditions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which flu symptom treatment is best for you.
Who Should Use These Medicines
Only people who have a high risk of serious problems from the flu should take these medicines. These include people who are:
- Older than age 65
- Younger than age 5, but especially those younger than 2
- Younger than age 19 and on long-term aspirin therapy
- Pregnant or have given birth in the past 2 weeks
- Alaska Native or American Indian
- Morbidly obese
You also have a higher risk of problems from the flu if you have certain health conditions including:
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To Relieve A Sore Throat Fever Headache Or Muscle Aches
Examples: Motrin Tablets Advil Caplets Aspirin Original Strength Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets
How they work: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which include ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid , work by preventing the formation of prostaglandins, the chemicals in the body that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol, behaves slightly differently it targets the part of the brain that perceives pain and controls body temperature. Both types are equally effective, says Kalyn, so its just a matter of balancing the benefits versus the risks.
NSAIDs will reduce symptoms for six to eight hours compared to four to six for acetaminophen, so NSAIDs can be more beneficial if you need help sleeping through the night.
Need to know: Follow package directions for dosing. The most common adverse effect with NSAIDs is stomach discomfort, so take them with food, says Kalyn. Avoid NSAIDs if you have high blood pressure, a heart, liver or kidney condition, or stomach issues such as heartburn. NSAIDs can increase the risk of ulcers, internal bleeding and damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Aspirin should not be taken by those on blood thinners and has been linked to Reyes syndrome, so it should not be given to people age 18 and under. Avoid Tylenol if you have liver or kidney disease.
Try: Motrin Liquid Gels, $20, well.ca
Cold And Flu Prevention Strategies
To prevent the flu, Health Canada encourages all Canadians over six months of age to be vaccinated the vaccine takes two weeks to become active and lasts for six months. Ideally, you should get one at the beginning of flu season which in Canada runs from November through April but its still effective even if you get it at a later date. Pregnant women, seniors, children and people with chronic health conditions have a higher risk of complications from the flu, so it is especially important that they get vaccinated. According to Campbell-Scherer, its also possible to have some immunity if the strain of cold or flu virus going around is a variation on one youve either contracted or been immunized for before.
Otherwise, the best way to avoid getting either the flu or a cold is to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time, says , a naturopathic doctor in Victoria and a director at the British Columbia Naturopathic Association. If soap and water arent available, a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is the next best thing. Supplementing with vitamin D may also help.
But if youre an adult who is normally in good health and just feeling sick, stay at home in bed, says Campbell-Scherer. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and manage your symptoms with one of these over-the-counter remedies.
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