What to do once you’ve gotten the flu?

Nobody likes getting the flu, but because the virus is so contagious there will be times when no matter how well we try to prevent getting the flu, by either yearly flu shots, or herbal remedies, most of us will suffer with the flu a few times during our lives. You usually know when you’re going to get sick when your throat starts feeling sore and you start feeling achy all over, it’s all pretty much downhill after that. The best thing you can do once start feeling sick is to stock up on plenty non-caffeinated fluids, a visit to your local drug store for a flu remedy of your choice to help with your aches and pains and a date with your couch at home for two or three days, you’ll be all set. The flu virus will have to run it’s course through your system, you cannot stop this from happening, but you can help it along by drinking lots of fluids to flush it out of your system. Diarrhea and a sick stomach also help get rid of the virus in your system and although having them makes one feel more miserable, they are your body’s own defense against the flu virus.

If you see a doctor
If your symptoms persist after two weeks, or proceeds to get worse before then, it’s probably a good idea to see your doctor. The flu virus has dangerous potentials and sometimes our bodies defenses can’t fight its persistent attack against everything you have done to get rid of it. The flu can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other respiratory viruses, so your doctor may want to run some test so he or she can properly give you the right medications.

What the doctor prescribes
Here are the leading medications your doctor may prescribe for you to help you fight your flu virus:

• Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is for treating influenza A and B virus infections in adults and children 1 year and older.
• Relenza (zanamivir) is for treating influenza A and B virus infections in children 7 years and older and adults who have an uncomplicated flu infection and who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. Relenza is not used to prevent flu infection.
• Flumadine (rimantadine) is for treating adults who have influenza type A virus infections. It has no effect on influenza type B virus infections.
• Symmetrel (amantadine) is for treating adults and children who are 1 year of age and older to prevent and treat type A influenza virus infections but has no effect on influenza B virus infections. Symmetrel, however, is more likely to cause side effects such as lightheadedness and inability to sleep more often than is Flumadine.

To work well, you must take these medicines within 48 hours after the flu begins. They reduce the length or time fever and other symptoms last and allow you to more quickly return to your daily routine.