Treatment
If you get the flu, there are several things you can do at home:
o Rest
o Drink plenty of liquids
o Avoid using alcohol and tobacco products
o Take over-the-counter medication to relieve flu symptoms, but never give aspirin to children or teenagers without talking to your doctor first
Your doctor may also suggest you take an antiviral (zanamivir or oseltamivir) medication to help relieve your symptoms. These influenza antiviral drugs can be obtained by prescription only, and you should talk to your doctor before using them. They can be used to treat the flu or prevent infections from the flu. They are effective for five days but must be begun within the first two days of symptoms, so it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. They will not work against other viruses that cause symptoms similar to those of the flu.
For more information about influenza antiviral drugs, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Key Facts about Antiviral Drugs and Influenza
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/antiviral/keyfacts.htm
While most healthy people get over the flu without complications, some people are at greater risk for serious problems from the flu. It is very important that the following people be protected from the flu:
o people 65 years of age and older
o young children
o pregnant women
o people with chronic medical conditions
It’s important to remember that getting a flu vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu, but good health habits and antiviral drugs offer a second line of defense once you are sick.
Find a Doctor
If you need help finding a doctor, click on one of the links below to search for one in your area.
Find a Doctor in the Charlotte Region
http://www.presbyterian.org/PhysicianSearch/?webRegion=SP
Find a Doctor in the Winston-Salem Region
http://www.forsythmedicalcenter.org/PhysicianSearch/?webRegion=FMC
Find a Doctor in the Thomasville Region
http://www.thomasvillemedicalcenter.org/PhysicianSearch/?webRegion=TMC
Find a Doctor in the Brunswick County Region
http://www.brunswickcommunityhospital.org/PhysicianSearch/?webRegion=BCH
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