Influenza Treatment

Because influenza is caused by a virus antibiotics are not effective against the infection. Antibiotics will not be prescribed unless it is believed that a secondary bacterial infection accompanies the illness. Treatment for influenza includes:

• plenty of rest
• fluids
• for fever aches and pains- Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin Aspirin should not be given to children or adolescents
• stuffy nose- decongestants- pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine
• nausea and vomiting- dimenhydrinate (Gravol), fluids and electrolytes (Pedialyte)
• cough suppressant ? may use dextromethorphan if the cough is dry, do not use a cough suppressants if the cough has lots of phlegm with it
• antivirals when they are indicated