If you start having symptoms of the flu like fever, chills, cough, sore throat or headache, you might think you should just rest and wait it out.
But even if you’ve pushed through the flu on your own before, you may want to contact your doctor. That’s because there’s a chance that an antiviral flu medication like Tamiflu could help.
Some prescription medications can help clear up flu symptoms more quickly and reduce your risk of serious illness, but only if you take them early. Here's how you can decide whether flu antivirals are right for you or someone you care for.
What are flu antivirals?
Antiviral medications are prescription drugs that help your body fight the flu virus. “They work by blocking the ability of the influenza virus to spread within the body. The influenza virus is what causes the flu,” said Deon Pilkington, PharmD, a clinical pharmacy coordinator with Banner Health.
Flu prescriptions aren’t a cure, but they can:
- Shorten how long you feel sick
- Make symptoms less severe
- Help prevent complications like pneumonia or hospitalization
Flu antivirals that you take by mouth include:
- Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
- Relenza (zanamivir)
- Xofluza (baloxavir)
Rapivab (peramivir) is also an option but is available only by intravenous (IV) infusion.
These medications are available by prescription only and work best when you take them within the first day or two after you notice flu symptoms. That’s why it’s important to talk to a health care provider if you think you’re getting the flu.
Want to learn more about how each flu antiviral works? Explore flu antiviral options.
Don’t take antibiotics if you have the flu. “Because the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help,” said Mallory Yan, PharmD, a pharmacist with Banner Health.
Who is most likely to benefit from flu antivirals?
Not everyone needs a flu prescription. “Generally, these medications are used for those that have been diagnosed with the flu and are at high risk for complications,” Dr. Pilkington said.
If you or someone you care for falls into one of these high-risk groups, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor right away:
- Adults age 65 or older
- Children under age 5, and especially under age 2
- Pregnant women or those who gave birth recently
- People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who live in long-term care facilities or group homes
- Anyone with symptoms that are severe or getting worse
Even if you're relatively healthy, your doctor may prescribe flu antivirals if someone in your household is at high risk. Preventing spread in a home where someone could get serious complications is important.
Reach out to Banner Urgent Care for flu testing and antiviral medications.
When should you call your doctor?
You should talk to your doctor about high-risk flu treatment as soon as flu symptoms start. It’s best to begin treatment within 48 hours.
Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fever that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- Chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Signs of dehydration such as not urinating as much or having a dry mouth
If you test positive for the flu or feel very sick, don’t wait. Starting treatment within the first 48 hours gives you the best chance of getting better faster and avoiding complications.
What if it’s been more than 48 hours?
“Antiviral medications may be beneficial after two days of symptom onset, but they’ve shown the most benefit when they’re started within the first 48 hours,” Dr. Yan said.
You might still be eligible for an antiviral flu prescription if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse instead of better
- You’re part of a high-risk group
- You’re caring for someone who is in a high-risk group
“Starting treatment even after 48 hours may reduce the risk of pneumonia and lead to shorter hospital stays,” Dr. Pilkington said.
It’s always a good idea to check in with your provider. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits and decide whether you need treatment.
If antivirals aren’t the right choice for you, it’s still important to:
- Drink water so you stay hydrated
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Take OTC medication like decongestants, fever reducers or pain relievers to manage fever and body aches
- Stay home to prevent infecting others until you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours (without OTC medication)
- Contact your provider if your symptoms are getting worse
- Get care if you have serious symptoms like trouble breathing or dehydration
- Consider an annual flu vaccine in the future to help prevent getting sick during peak season
Early action makes a difference
If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need Tamiflu?” keep in mind that flu antivirals work best when you start taking them early, ideally within the first day or two of symptoms.
If you're not sure whether you have the flu or if you qualify for treatment, don’t guess. Reach out to a Banner provider who can help guide you or visit a Banner Urgent care near you.
