Flu: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine?
Flu: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine?Skip to the navigationYou may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Flu: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine?Get the factsYour options- Take antiviral medicine to treat or prevent
the flu.
- Do not take antiviral medicine.
Key points to remember- Most healthy adults who get the flu don't
need antiviral medicine.
- Taking an antiviral may be a good idea
for people who are at high risk for serious problems (complications) from the
flu. This includes children, people 65 and older, and those with long-term
(chronic) diseases or a
weak immune system.
- Antiviral medicines
can shorten the course of the flu but only by about 1 day. And you need to take
the medicine within 2 days of getting sick for it to work.
- Antivirals may help control flu outbreaks in settings where people
are at high risk of complications, such as nursing homes. If you live or work
in such a setting during an outbreak, you may want to take an antiviral medicine,
even if you got a flu vaccine.
- Antivirals do not take the place of a flu vaccine. The
best way to avoid getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year, as soon as it's available.
FAQs Antivirals are medicines that make it harder for
viruses to grow in your body. You can take an
influenza (flu) antiviral either to prevent the flu or
to treat the flu after you have it. Their main use is to help protect people
who are at high risk for serious problems from the flu, such as
pneumonia. Antiviral medicines recommended for the flu are the neuraminidase inhibitors, which include
oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). There are two main types of influenza virus-type A and
type B. Type A causes most flu outbreaks. The neuraminidase inhibitors help fight both A and B
viruses. These antiviral medicines will not help fight other
types of viral infections, such as colds. Note: How well antiviral medicines work can vary from year to
year as flu viruses change. For the past few years, the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised doctors not to use the antivirals amantadine and rimantadine to treat or prevent the flu.footnote 1 These
medicines have not worked against most types of the flu virus. If you decide to
take an antiviral, your doctor can prescribe the best one for you. For the most
recent news on antiviral drugs, see the CDC's Web page on seasonal flu at
www.cdc.gov/flu. Antivirals are most
often used to help control flu outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes and
hospitals, where people who are at high risk for serious problems live close
together. Antivirals may be given to: - People who are at high risk for serious
problems from the flu, such as children, people 65 and older, and those with
long-term (chronic) diseases or a
weak immune system.
- People who did not
get a flu vaccine and who are in close contact with anyone at high risk for problems
from the flu.
- People at high risk for problems from the flu who are
not able to get a flu vaccine.
Doctors may also prescribe antivirals for anyone who is
diagnosed with the flu within the first 2 days of illness. This may help
shorten the course of the flu and help prevent its spread. Some
antivirals are not intended for children or for people who have serious breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD. But your doctor can prescribe the correct type. Antivirals can cost a lot-from about $70 to $100. They may
not be worth the cost for people who are not at high risk from the flu. If you get the flu, your doctor may advise you to take
antivirals to treat the flu if: - You are at high risk for problems from the
flu because of your age or health.
- You live or work with someone
who is at high risk for problems from the flu.
- You have been sick
for less than 2 days. If you have been sick for more than 2 days, the medicine
won't help.
Your doctor may advise you to take antivirals to
prevent the flu if: - You are at high risk for problems from the
flu because of your age or health and you did not get a flu
vaccine.
- You live or work in a setting where there has been a flu
outbreak, such as a nursing home.
Compare your options | |
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What is usually involved? |
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What are the benefits? |
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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Take antivirals for the
flu Take antivirals for the
flu - You see your doctor and get the
prescription filled.
- You take the medicine for 5 to 7 days.
- Antiviral medicines can shorten
the course of the flu by about 1 day if you take them within 2 days of getting
sick.
- They may make you less likely to spread the flu.
- They
may help control flu outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes, where people
are at high risk for problems from the flu.
- They may help prevent
flu in people who did not get a flu vaccine.
- Antiviral
medicines for the flu may cause minor problems, such as diarrhea, sinus
infection (sinusitis), or nausea and vomiting (more common with
Tamiflu [oseltamivir]).
- Relenza (zanamivir) may cause breathing problems in people who
have serious lung problems.
- Tamiflu may increase the risk for
self-injury and confusion in people who have the flu, especially children. They
should be watched closely, and any odd behavior should be reported to a
doctor.
- Taking antivirals when you don't really need them may lead
to
drug-resistant viruses that are harder to
treat.
Don't take antivirals
for the flu Don't take antivirals
for the flu- You take care of yourself
until you are better.
- You won't be exposed to
risks or side effects from the medicines.
- You don't increase the
risk of
drug-resistant viruses that are harder to treat.
- The flu may
last about 1 day longer than it would without medicines.
- People who
are at risk for problems from the flu are more likely to have them if they
don't take medicines.
- You may be more likely to spread the flu to
others.
My dad has
Alzheimer's, so he is in a nursing home. The residents get a flu shot every
year, but last winter they had a flu outbreak in the home. They gave antivirals
to everyone in his unit, and luckily he didn't get sick. He's so weak that I
don't think he would have survived if he had gotten the flu. I got the
flu last winter, and it was pretty miserable. Somebody told me there was
antiviral medicine I could take that could help, so I asked my doctor about it.
He said it's mostly used for people who would be in danger if they got sick. He
said he could prescribe it if I wanted, but it would only shorten the flu by
about a day. I'm young and strong, so why spend the money? But this year I'm
going to get a flu shot for sure. Yesterday my
wife came down with what I know are flu symptoms. I have to fly to China on
Friday for a big meeting. I called my doctor, and she prescribed antivirals for
me. I hope they work, because I can't afford to get sick now. I help take
care of my brother, Frank, who is bedridden. I had a bad reaction to the flu shot when I last got it, so my doctor suggested that I take an antiviral
medicine instead. This helps keep me from getting the flu and passing it to Frank. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take antivirals Reasons not to take antivirals I want to get over the flu as quickly as possible. I don't want to take medicine if it will only shorten the flu by 1 day. More important Equally important More important I'm very worried about problems from the flu, such as pneumonia. I'm not worried about pneumonia or other problems from the flu. More important Equally important More important I want to do everything I can to stop being sick. I don't want to go to the doctor or take medicine unless I really need to. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking antivirals NOT taking antivirals Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision?1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure Your SummaryHere's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Next stepsWhich way you're leaningHow sure you areYour commentsKey concepts that you understoodKey concepts that may need reviewCredits | Author | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology |
|---|
References Citations - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm. Accessed April 11, 2014.
Other Works Consulted - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Maternal and infant outcomes among severely ill pregnant and postpartum women with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1)-United States, April 2009-August 2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60(35): 1193-1196.
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Flu: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. - Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the FactsYour options- Take antiviral medicine to treat or prevent
the flu.
- Do not take antiviral medicine.
Key points to remember- Most healthy adults who get the flu don't
need antiviral medicine.
- Taking an antiviral may be a good idea
for people who are at high risk for serious problems (complications) from the
flu. This includes children, people 65 and older, and those with long-term
(chronic) diseases or a
weak immune system.
- Antiviral medicines
can shorten the course of the flu but only by about 1 day. And you need to take
the medicine within 2 days of getting sick for it to work.
- Antivirals may help control flu outbreaks in settings where people
are at high risk of complications, such as nursing homes. If you live or work
in such a setting during an outbreak, you may want to take an antiviral medicine,
even if you got a flu vaccine.
- Antivirals do not take the place of a flu vaccine. The
best way to avoid getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year, as soon as it's available.
FAQs What are antiviral medicines for the flu?Antivirals are medicines that make it harder for
viruses to grow in your body. You can take an
influenza (flu) antiviral either to prevent the flu or
to treat the flu after you have it. Their main use is to help protect people
who are at high risk for serious problems from the flu, such as
pneumonia. Antiviral medicines recommended for the flu are the neuraminidase inhibitors, which include
oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). There are two main types of influenza virus-type A and
type B. Type A causes most flu outbreaks. The neuraminidase inhibitors help fight both A and B
viruses. These antiviral medicines will not help fight other
types of viral infections, such as colds. Note: How well antiviral medicines work can vary from year to
year as flu viruses change. For the past few years, the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised doctors not to use the antivirals amantadine and rimantadine to treat or prevent the flu.1 These
medicines have not worked against most types of the flu virus. If you decide to
take an antiviral, your doctor can prescribe the best one for you. For the most
recent news on antiviral drugs, see the CDC's Web page on seasonal flu at
www.cdc.gov/flu. Who can take antivirals?Antivirals are most
often used to help control flu outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes and
hospitals, where people who are at high risk for serious problems live close
together. Antivirals may be given to: - People who are at high risk for serious
problems from the flu, such as children, people 65 and older, and those with
long-term (chronic) diseases or a
weak immune system.
- People who did not
get a flu vaccine and who are in close contact with anyone at high risk for problems
from the flu.
- People at high risk for problems from the flu who are
not able to get a flu vaccine.
Doctors may also prescribe antivirals for anyone who is
diagnosed with the flu within the first 2 days of illness. This may help
shorten the course of the flu and help prevent its spread. Who should not take antiviral medicine?Some
antivirals are not intended for children or for people who have serious breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD. But your doctor can prescribe the correct type. Antivirals can cost a lot-from about $70 to $100. They may
not be worth the cost for people who are not at high risk from the flu. Why might your doctor recommend antiviral medicines for you?If you get the flu, your doctor may advise you to take
antivirals to treat the flu if: - You are at high risk for problems from the
flu because of your age or health.
- You live or work with someone
who is at high risk for problems from the flu.
- You have been sick
for less than 2 days. If you have been sick for more than 2 days, the medicine
won't help.
Your doctor may advise you to take antivirals to
prevent the flu if: - You are at high risk for problems from the
flu because of your age or health and you did not get a flu
vaccine.
- You live or work in a setting where there has been a flu
outbreak, such as a nursing home.
2. Compare your options| | Take antivirals for the
flu | Don't take antivirals
for the flu |
|---|
| What is usually involved? | - You see your doctor and get the
prescription filled.
- You take the medicine for 5 to 7 days.
| - You take care of yourself
until you are better.
|
|---|
| What are the benefits? | - Antiviral medicines can shorten
the course of the flu by about 1 day if you take them within 2 days of getting
sick.
- They may make you less likely to spread the flu.
- They
may help control flu outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes, where people
are at high risk for problems from the flu.
- They may help prevent
flu in people who did not get a flu vaccine.
| - You won't be exposed to
risks or side effects from the medicines.
- You don't increase the
risk of
drug-resistant viruses that are harder to treat.
|
|---|
| What are the risks and side effects? | - Antiviral
medicines for the flu may cause minor problems, such as diarrhea, sinus
infection (sinusitis), or nausea and vomiting (more common with
Tamiflu [oseltamivir]).
- Relenza (zanamivir) may cause breathing problems in people who
have serious lung problems.
- Tamiflu may increase the risk for
self-injury and confusion in people who have the flu, especially children. They
should be watched closely, and any odd behavior should be reported to a
doctor.
- Taking antivirals when you don't really need them may lead
to
drug-resistant viruses that are harder to
treat.
| - The flu may
last about 1 day longer than it would without medicines.
- People who
are at risk for problems from the flu are more likely to have them if they
don't take medicines.
- You may be more likely to spread the flu to
others.
|
|---|
Personal storiesPersonal stories about taking antiviral medicine for the flu
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"My dad has Alzheimer's, so he is in a nursing home. The residents get a flu shot every year, but last winter they had a flu outbreak in the home. They gave antivirals to everyone in his unit, and luckily he didn't get sick. He's so weak that I don't think he would have survived if he had gotten the flu." "I got the flu last winter, and it was pretty miserable. Somebody told me there was antiviral medicine I could take that could help, so I asked my doctor about it. He said it's mostly used for people who would be in danger if they got sick. He said he could prescribe it if I wanted, but it would only shorten the flu by about a day. I'm young and strong, so why spend the money? But this year I'm going to get a flu shot for sure." "Yesterday my wife came down with what I know are flu symptoms. I have to fly to China on Friday for a big meeting. I called my doctor, and she prescribed antivirals for me. I hope they work, because I can't afford to get sick now." "I help take care of my brother, Frank, who is bedridden. I had a bad reaction to the flu shot when I last got it, so my doctor suggested that I take an antiviral medicine instead. This helps keep me from getting the flu and passing it to Frank." 3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take antivirals Reasons not to take antivirals I want to get over the flu as quickly as possible. I don't want to take medicine if it will only shorten the flu by 1 day. More important Equally important More important I'm very worried about problems from the flu, such as pneumonia. I'm not worried about pneumonia or other problems from the flu. More important Equally important More important I want to do everything I can to stop being sick. I don't want to go to the doctor or take medicine unless I really need to. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking antivirals NOT taking antivirals Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
If you are age 65 or older, should you take antiviral medicine if you get the flu? That's right. Older adults are at higher risk for problems from the flu, such as pneumonia. Antivirals may help prevent these problems. 2.
Can antiviral medicines help you get over the flu faster, no matter when you start taking them? You're right. Antivirals help only if you start taking them within the first 2 days of getting sick. 3.
Could you still need to take antiviral medicines for the flu, even if you had a flu vaccine? You're right. You can get the flu even if you had a flu vaccine. So if you are at high risk or you live or work with people who are at high risk, you may still need antiviral medicine. Decide what's next1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Credits | By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology |
|---|
References Citations - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm. Accessed April 11, 2014.
Other Works Consulted - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Maternal and infant outcomes among severely ill pregnant and postpartum women with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1)-United States, April 2009-August 2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60(35): 1193-1196.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.Current as of:
March 25, 2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm. Accessed April 11, 2014. Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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