Flu treatment available online today

Influenza is caused by the influenza virus.

The flu can easily spread from person to person, i.e. contagious, via close contact. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets that contain the viruses become airborne and can be inhaled by another person in the nearby vicinity. Another method of viral spread is through touch. Either through direct touch by an infected person or indirectly touching a common surface that has been touched by an infected person, then touching your own eyes, nose or mouth.

Flu season is the time of the year when seasonal influenza outbreaks are prevalent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, flu season occurs typically October through March, with peak seasonal flu activity peaking between December and February.

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, the sudden onset of the flu may include some or all of the following symptoms (think F.A.C.T.S.):

• Fever

• Aches (muscle, body, and headaches)

• Chills

• Tiredness (fatigue)

• Sudden onset

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Nasal discharge

• Stuffy nose
  

*Disclaimer: You should seek emergency attention immediately if you are experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms such as shortness of breath, high fever that does not come down with fever-reducing medicine and fluids, or persistent chest pain. If you are at high risk of flu complications, see a doctor right away to discuss strategies to prevent serious flu complications.

Flu antiviral drugs

Flu antiviral drugs can be prescribed as treatment for the flu. When taken within 48 hours after flu symptoms begin, flu antiviral drugs can help reduce the length and severity of symptoms. In certain situations, starting antiviral treatment more than 48 hours from onset of symptoms is also advised, especially for people who might spread their infection to other people at risk of severe complications from influenza. Below is a list of prescription antiviral medications that can be discussed with one of our online primary care physicians:

Typically, flu goes away on its own in 3 to 10 days. For healthy people, adequate rest and fluid intake is enough to help the body's immune system fight off the influenza virus. Antiviral treatment is not necessary for everyone.

Over the counter medicines and home remedies

Over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce fever, headache, sore throat and body pains. Aside from these medicines, here are some at home remedies that may also help you feel better:

•Stay home and get as much rest as possible – not only does this fuel your immune system, but it reduces your risk of spreading the infection to others
•Drink plenty of warm liquids - chicken or vegetable soup, warm water with lemon, hot tea with honey
•Saltwater gargle - can help reduce swelling and sooth sore throat
•Saline nasal irrigation - can help with runny and stuffy nose

Cold

While the common cold is different from the flu, it is sometimes hard to tell which one you have because common colds have several flu-like symptoms (e.g. cough, nasal congestion, nasal discharge). More than 200 viruses are known to cause the common cold. However, amongst them, rhinoviruses are the most prevalent. The cold and flu are both considered upper respiratory tract infections, but flu symptoms tend to be more severe than the common cold and also tend to hit harder and faster than the common cold.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 while the flu is caused by the influenza virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 spreads more easily than flu and can cause more serious illnesses in some people.

It is hard to distinguish the flu from COVID-19 just by looking at the symptoms alone as they share many similar symptoms. That is why a COVID-19 test is needed in order to confirm diagnosis. These symptoms are characteristic of COVID-19:

• Severe aches, pains

• Headaches

• Fever or chills

• New loss of taste or smell

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Throat pain

• Sinus or nasal congestion

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious lung disease. Viral or bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the lungs, preventing proper oxygenation of the lungs, and depriving the body of oxygen which can lead to death. Flu is a common cause of pneumonia.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are part of your lower respiratory tract, and carry air to and from the lungs. Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition and can be caused by an infection or irritating substance, such as inhaled smoke. Common cold viruses are a very frequent cause of acute bronchitis, and only occasionally are antibiotics needed for the treatment of bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis lasts at least three months and has many different causes.

Sinus infection

Sinus infection (sinusitis) is one of the common ways that an upper respiratory infection can present itself. There are two types of sinusitis: viral and bacterial sinusitis. During the flu, the virus can infect the sinuses and cause inflammation in the sinus membranes - viral sinusitis. Many other common cold viruses can also cause sinusitis. When sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection, it is known as bacterial sinusitis. Symptoms that are common between the flu and sinus infection are: runny nose, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip and cough.