Top-Notch Remedies for Flu Symptoms
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Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects the throat, nose, and lungs. This common seasonal illness causes 3-5 million cases of severe disease and 250,000-500,000 deaths every year globally.
The flu spreads through tiny droplets that form when people talk, cough, or sneeze. To prevent the flu, it is highly advisable for people to receive their flu shots.
Influenza A and B are the most common causes of seasonal epidemics of flu globally. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to either prevent the condition or help relieve symptoms.
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that target flu viruses. These antivirals mainly work by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme of the influenza virus, which is essential for the release of new viral particles from infected cells. This reduces the severity and duration of symptoms.
The recommended antiviral drugs for the treatment of influenza include oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is a neuraminidase inhibitor available in oral forms such as capsules or powder suspensions. It is effective against both influenza A and B viruses and is the most commonly used neuraminidase inhibitor. Although generally well tolerated, some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and rarely neuropsychiatric symptoms such as irritability, depression, or hallucinations.
Zanamivir (Relenza) is another neuraminidase inhibitor available as an inhalation powder. It has potential side effects including bronchospasm, dizziness, and sinusitis, especially in those with underlying respiratory diseases.
Peramivir (Rapivab) is a neuraminidase inhibitor available as a colorless liquid solution inside vials, administered intravenously. Potential side effects include diarrhea, skin reactions, and neuropsychiatric events.
Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) is a cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor available in oral forms such as capsules or powder suspensions. Side effects are generally mild and include diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea, and headache.
Guaifenesin is a common ingredient in many expectorants, with potential side effects including irritation of the digestive tract, nausea, and vomiting.
Decongestants are compounds that can help provide relief from a blocked or stuffy nose, available in various formulations with potential side effects including nervousness, dizziness, and sleeplessness.
Dextromethorphan is a common ingredient in many antitussive products, with potential side effects including nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, drowsiness, and dizziness.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a common nonopioid analgesic and fever-reducing medication. The recommended dose for adults ranges from every 4-6 hours, with a maximum dose of 4 grams per day.
Multisystem treatment involves a combination of decongestants, analgesics, antihistamines, and expectorants into a single medication. Careful consideration is needed to avoid accidental overdose.
Ibuprofen and aspirin are common examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with dosage recommendations depending on the specific drug and product label.
All people who are 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year to prevent flu and its serious complications.
In summary:
| Antiviral | Mechanism | Side Effects | |-------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Oseltamivir | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Nausea, vomiting, rare neuropsychiatric symptoms (likely influenza-related) | | Zanamivir | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Bronchospasm, respiratory symptoms | | Peramivir | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Diarrhea, skin reactions, rare neuropsychiatric events| | Baloxavir Marboxil| Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor | Diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea |
These antivirals are used to reduce viral load and symptom severity, with oseltamivir being the most widely used and studied agent. The clinical benefit of antiviral therapy is greatest when started early, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset, but treatment may still be valuable in severe or at-risk populations even if started later.
- To reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, several treatment options are available, including antiviral drugs like oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil.
- Oseltamivir, commonly known as Tamiflu, is a neuraminidase inhibitor that targets influenza A and B viruses, with common side effects being nausea, vomiting, and, rarely, neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- Zanamivir, marketed as Relenza, is another neuraminidase inhibitor, available as an inhalation powder, with potential side effects including bronchospasm, dizziness, and sinusitis.
- Peramivir, administered intravenously as Rapivab, is a neuraminidase inhibitor that can cause diarrhea, skin reactions, and neuropsychiatric events.
- Baloxavir marboxil, available as Xofluza, is a cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor that typically causes mild side effects such as diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea, and headache.
- Decongestants, compounds used to relieve a blocked or stuffy nose, can have side effects including nervousness, dizziness, and sleeplessness, while antitussive products containing dextromethorphan may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
