You see the signs in your corner drugstore.
“Get your flu shot here.”
Maybe next time, you think to yourself.
Next time may be too late.
Now you have the flu. What do you do?
We posed the question to our expert: Dr. Catherine Hough-Telford, a fellow in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Pediatric Diseases.
Here’s what she said:
“Anyone who has the flu should stay home and away from others to avoid spreading the disease until free of fever for 24 hours. If you must leave your home wear a mask (available at most pharmacies), cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough, and wash your hands frequently.”
Most people with the flu have a mild case and may not need antiviral drugs, she said.
“However, those that have severe symptoms and/or chronic medical conditions, are pregnant, are very young or elderly are at risk for serious side complications of the flu so would qualify for treatment. Tamiflu (generic name is oseltamivir) is one of the two antiviral medications that is approved to treat the flu.
“Relenza (generic name is zanamivir) is the second antiviral that treats flu. It is an inhaled powder, and should not be used in individuals with lung or breathing difficulties (asthma, COPD).
“These antivirals can help decrease the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness by 1-2 days. They can also prevent more serious complications like pneumonia.”
You’ll need to get a prescription for these. And there are some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and behavioral side effects.
The antivirals are shown to be most effective if given in the first two days of flu symptoms.
“So it is best to see your physician early in your illness in order to have the most benefit. The best way to prevent you or your loved ones from getting the flu by getting the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines save lives.”