Questions about influenza
What is the best treatment for influenza?
Symptomatic treatment is sufficient in cases of influenza with an uncomplicated course.
The patient should be instructed about the need to remain at home and not to perform strenuous activities. In addition, administration of medication that acts symptomatically is helpful. Although many patients may expect you to prescribe antibiotics, they should know that viruses cannot be treated with such medication.
Persons at high risk of developing complications from influenza may benefit from the use of active antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms, provided that they are administered no later than 48 hours after the appearance of the first symptoms.