From the Guidelines
For treating the flu, antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) at 75mg twice daily for 5 days can be effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Treatment Overview
The treatment of influenza (flu) involves a combination of rest, increased fluid intake, and over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and relieve body aches.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 325-650mg every 4-6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 200-400mg every 4-6 hours can be used to manage symptoms.
- Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are effective in preventing the virus from replicating, potentially shortening illness duration by 1-2 days and reducing complications.
Antiviral Medications
The dosage of oseltamivir varies by age and weight:
- Adults: 75mg twice daily for 5 days
- Children ≥12 months:
- ≤15 kg: 30mg twice daily
- 15-23 kg: 45mg twice daily
- 23-40 kg: 60mg twice daily
40 kg: 75mg twice daily
- Infants 9-11 months: 3.5mg/kg per dose twice daily
- Term infants 0-8 months: 3mg/kg per dose twice daily
Additional Considerations
- Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) at 30-60mg every 4-6 hours can help with nasal congestion.
- Cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan may help control coughing.
- Stay home until you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication to prevent spreading the virus.
- If you experience difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, or worsening symptoms after initial improvement, seek immediate medical attention as these could indicate complications requiring urgent care, as noted in the guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza A and B in patients 2 weeks of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours. Adults and adolescents (13 years and older): 75 mg twice daily for 5 days Pediatric patients 1 to 12 years of age: Based on weight twice daily for 5 days Pediatric patients 2 weeks to less than 1 year of age: 3mg/kg twice daily for 5 days
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Indication Dose Treatment of Influenza 10 mg twice daily for 5 days
The treatment and dosage for influenza (flu) are as follows:
- Oseltamivir (PO):
- Zanamivir (INH):
- 10 mg twice daily for 5 days 3
From the Research
Treatment and Dosage for Influenza
The treatment and dosage for influenza (flu) are as follows:
- Oseltamivir is a prodrug of oseltamivir carboxylate, a potent and selective inhibitor of the neuraminidase glycoprotein essential for replication of influenza A and B viruses 4.
- The recommended dosage of oseltamivir is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days for adults and children aged 2 weeks and older 4, 5.
- For children, a liquid formulation of oseltamivir (2 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of influenza 4.
- Oseltamivir has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of influenza symptoms, as well as the risk of complications, when initiated within 36-48 hours of symptom onset 4, 6, 7.
- Early administration of oseltamivir (within 12 hours of symptom onset) has been shown to increase the benefits of treatment, including shorter illness duration and reduced severity of symptoms 7.
Special Considerations
- For high-risk patients, such as the elderly or those with chronic cardiac or respiratory disease, oseltamivir may be effective in reducing the risk of complications and hospitalization 4, 5.
- For pediatric patients, oseltamivir has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated, with a significant reduction in the intensity of influenza symptoms and the number of days of hospitalization 8.
- Comorbidities, such as asthma, gastrointestinal diseases, and metabolic and endocrine diseases, may be associated with a prolonged duration of hospitalization in children with influenza 8.