What are the recommendations for managing flu symptoms and preventing complications?

Patient Education and Recommendations for Flu Management

Immediate Actions When Flu is Suspected

If you develop flu symptoms (fever, cough, body aches, sore throat), contact your healthcare provider immediately, especially if you are at high risk for complications—treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. 1

Who Should Seek Treatment Urgently

You are at high risk and should receive antiviral medication regardless of how long you've had symptoms if you are: 2, 1

• Children younger than 5 years (especially under 2 years) 2, 1
• Adults 65 years or older 2, 1
• Pregnant women or within 2 weeks postpartum 2, 1
• Anyone with chronic conditions: asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological disorders, weakened immune system 2, 1
• Residents of nursing homes or chronic care facilities 2
• Extremely obese individuals (BMI ≥40) 2
• Children/teens on long-term aspirin therapy 2

Antiviral Treatment Options

First-Line Medication

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is the preferred antiviral medication for flu treatment. 1, 3

Dosing for adults and adolescents ≥13 years: 75 mg twice daily for 5 days 1, 4

Key timing: Greatest benefit occurs when started within 24 hours of symptom onset, but treatment should still be given to high-risk patients even beyond 48 hours 1, 3

Alternative Medications

If you cannot take oseltamivir: 1

• Zanamivir (Relenza): 10 mg inhaled twice daily for 5 days (ages 7+) 1
• Baloxavir (Xofluza): Single dose of 40-80 mg based on weight (ages 12+) 1, 5
• Peramivir (Rapivab): Single 600 mg IV infusion if you cannot absorb oral medication 1

Important medication interaction: Do not take oseltamivir or baloxavir with dairy products, calcium-fortified beverages, antacids, or supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc—these reduce effectiveness 5

Expected Benefits of Antiviral Treatment

When started early, antiviral medications: 2, 3

• Reduce illness duration by approximately 24 hours 2
• Decrease risk of pneumonia by 50% 3
• Reduce ear infections in children by 34% 3
• Lower hospitalization rates 2
• Reduce need for antibiotics 2

Home Care and Symptom Management

Supportive Care Measures

Practice these essential self-care steps: 1

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day 1
• Manage fever: Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) for fever and body aches 1
• Rest adequately: Your body needs energy to fight the infection 1
• Isolate yourself: Stay home and away from others to prevent spread 1

Preventive Behaviors to Protect Others

To avoid spreading flu to family members: 6

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 6
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow 6
• Stay home when sick with respiratory symptoms 6
• Avoid close contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals 6
• Use hand sanitizers when soap and water aren't available 6
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces 6

When to Seek Emergency Care

Return to your doctor or go to the emergency room if: 1, 4

• You do not improve within 48 hours of starting antiviral treatment 1
• Your fever persists beyond 4-5 days without improvement 1
• You experience clinical deterioration at any point 1
• You develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion 4
• You have signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dizziness, extreme weakness) 4

Bacterial Complications Requiring Antibiotics

Antibiotics are NOT effective against flu virus itself, but your doctor may prescribe them if you develop: 3

• Bacterial pneumonia: New or worsening cough with colored sputum, chest pain, high fever after initial improvement 3
• Ear infections: Ear pain, drainage from ear 3
• Sinus infections: Facial pain, thick nasal discharge lasting >10 days 3

Critical point: Do not take antibiotics for uncomplicated flu—this contributes to antibiotic resistance without providing benefit 3

Prevention for Future Seasons

Annual Vaccination

Annual influenza vaccination is the single most effective prevention method and is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. 7, 8

• Vaccination reduces your risk of infection and serious complications 8
• Even if you get flu after vaccination, illness is typically milder 8
• Pregnant women who receive flu vaccine protect their infants during the first 6 months of life 2

Preventive Medication (Chemoprophylaxis)

Your doctor may prescribe oseltamivir for prevention (75 mg once daily) if: 2, 1

• You are at high risk and cannot receive the flu vaccine 2, 1
• You were exposed to someone with confirmed flu and are at high risk 2, 1
• You are in the first 2 weeks after vaccination (before immunity develops) 2
• There is an outbreak in your nursing home or care facility 2

Important limitation: Chemoprophylaxis is not a substitute for vaccination and should not replace getting vaccinated 2

Special Considerations for Children

Children under 2 years have the highest hospitalization rates (approximately 1,040 per 100,000 population for infants under 6 months) 2

For children 6 months through 8 years receiving flu vaccine for the first time: Two doses are needed, given at least 4 weeks apart 2

Oseltamivir dosing for children: Weight-based dosing is required—your pediatrician will calculate the correct dose 4

Information to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider

Before discharge or at follow-up appointments, ensure you understand: 2

• Your specific diagnosis and treatment plan 2
• How to take your medications correctly 2
• Warning signs that require immediate medical attention 2
• Follow-up arrangements with your primary care provider 2