Influenza

Medications

Antiviral medications reduce the severity and shorten the duration of influenza (flu) symptoms by 1 or 1½ days if given within 48 hours of the first symptoms.¹ These medications are not intended to substitute for getting a flu immunization each year. Rather, antiviral medications are important for controlling outbreaks and preventing the spread of infection, especially in people at high risk for developing flu complications.

The antiviral medications zanamivir and oseltamivir are used to prevent and treat influenza A and B infections. They can lessen the severity and shorten the duration of flu symptoms.⁵ Amantadine and rimantadine help prevent and treat the flu caused by influenza A (but not influenza B) infection.

For more information, see:

Should I take antiviral medicine for the flu?

Medication Choices

Two types of antiviral medications can treat influenza infections:

Amantadine or rimantadine (used to prevent or treat influenza A infections)

Zanamivir or oseltamivir (used to treat and prevent influenza A and B infections)

What To Think About

Most people do not need antiviral medications. They recover from influenza without developing complications.

However, given how sick most people are when they have the flu, some people may choose to take medication even if they are at low risk for complications.

The effectiveness of antiviral medications can vary from year to year. Some years a medication may not work against the types of influenza virus causing symptoms. Your doctor can help you decide whether antiviral medicines are likely to help you.

Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends using antiviral medicine to control outbreaks of flu among people who:

• Have a high risk for flu complications.
• Did not get a flu shot and who are in contact with people at risk, such as nursing home and hospital staff.

You cannot prevent the flu or make yourself feel better faster by taking:

• Antibiotics. For more information, see the topic Using Antibiotics Wisely.
• Large doses of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C or zinc.
• Herbal remedies, such as echinacea.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: September 22, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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