Influenza (Flu): What to Watch For and How to Treat It

Flu hits fast. One day you feel fine, the next you have fever, body aches, sore throat, and a cough that won’t quit. That sudden onset is a key clue that you’re dealing with influenza, not a cold. Knowing when to treat at home, when to see a doctor, and how antivirals and vaccines fit in can keep a mild case from getting serious.

Recognize symptoms and risk signs

Common flu symptoms: high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, dry cough, and fatigue. Kids can get belly pain, vomiting or diarrhea. Most healthy adults improve in 3–7 days, but fatigue can last longer.

Go to urgent care or the ER if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, severe dizziness, confusion, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or a fever that won’t come down. Also seek care faster if you’re pregnant, over 65, under 5 (especially infants), have heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, weakened immunity, or if symptoms worsen after initial improvement.

Antiviral treatments and when they help

Antivirals can shorten illness and lower the chance of complications when started early. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (inhaled), and baloxavir are the ones commonly used. Aim to start within 48 hours of symptom onset for the best benefit, though doctors may prescribe later for severe or high-risk cases.

These are prescription drugs. They have side effects: oseltamivir can cause nausea; zanamivir may trigger bronchospasm in people with asthma; baloxavir can interact with other meds. Talk to your clinician about which drug fits your situation.

For symptom relief at home, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches, stay hydrated, rest, and use saline nasal sprays or lozenges for throat comfort. Avoid giving aspirin to children or teens with viral symptoms.

Vaccination is still the best way to prevent flu. Annual flu shots reduce risk of severe illness and hospital stays. The vaccine changes yearly to match circulating strains; getting vaccinated every season matters. If you’re allergic to eggs, ask your provider about egg-free options.

If you buy flu meds or supplements online, check the pharmacy’s license, look for a working phone number and a prescription requirement, read recent reviews, and use secure checkout (HTTPS). Avoid sites selling prescription drugs without asking for a prescription or offering unbelievably low prices.

Small actions help stop spread: stay home while contagious (usually 24 hours after fever is gone without meds), cover coughs, wash hands, and clean shared surfaces. If you or someone at home is high-risk, contact a clinician early—early treatment can make a big difference.