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Flu: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Flu: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine?
1Get the | 2Compare | 3Your | 4Your | 5Quiz | 6Your Summary |
Get the facts
Your options
- Take antiviral medicine to treat or prevent the flu.
- Do not take antiviral medicine.
Key points to remember
- Most healthy adults who get the flu don't need antiviral medicine.
- Taking an antiviral may be a good idea for people who are at high risk for serious problems (complications) from the flu. This includes children, people 65 and older, and those with long-term (chronic) diseases or a weak immune system.
- Antiviral medicines can shorten the course of the flu but only by about 1 day. And you need to take the medicine within 2 days of getting sick for it to work.
- Antivirals may help control flu outbreaks in settings where people are at high risk of complications, such as nursing homes. If you live or work in such a setting during an outbreak, you may want to take an antiviral medicine, even if you got a flu vaccine.
- Antivirals do not take the place of a flu vaccine. The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year, as soon as it's available.
What are antiviral medicines for the flu?
Antivirals are medicines that make it harder for viruses to grow in your body. You can take an influenza (flu) antiviral either to prevent the flu or to treat the flu after you have it. Their main use is to help protect people who are at high risk for serious problems from the flu, such as pneumonia.
Antiviral medicines recommended for the flu are the neuraminidase inhibitors, which include oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
There are two main types of influenza virus-type A and type B. Type A causes most flu outbreaks. The neuraminidase inhibitors help fight both A and B viruses.
These antiviral medicines will not help fight other types of viral infections, such as colds.
Note: How well antiviral medicines work can vary from year to year as flu viruses change. For the past few years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised doctors not to use the antivirals amantadine and rimantadine to treat or prevent the flu.footnote 1 These medicines have not worked against most types of the flu virus. If you decide to take an antiviral, your doctor can prescribe the best one for you. For the most recent news on antiviral drugs, see the CDC's Web page on seasonal flu at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Who can take antivirals?
Antivirals are most often used to help control flu outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes and hospitals, where people who are at high risk for serious problems live close together.
Antivirals may be given to:
- People who are at high risk for serious problems from the flu, such as children, people 65 and older, and those with long-term (chronic) diseases or a weak immune system.
- People who did not get a flu vaccine and who are in close contact with anyone at high risk for problems from the flu.
- People at high risk for problems from the flu who are not able to get a flu vaccine.
Doctors may also prescribe antivirals for anyone who is diagnosed with the flu within the first 2 days of illness. This may help shorten the course of the flu and help prevent its spread.
Who should not take antiviral medicine?
Some antivirals are not intended for children or for people who have serious breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD. But your doctor can prescribe the correct type.
Antivirals can cost a lot-from about $70 to $100. They may not be worth the cost for people who are not at high risk from the flu.
Why might your doctor recommend antiviral medicines for you?
If you get the flu, your doctor may advise you to take antivirals to treat the flu if:
- You are at high risk for problems from the flu because of your age or health.
- You live or work with someone who is at high risk for problems from the flu.
- You have been sick for less than 2 days. If you have been sick for more than 2 days, the medicine won't help.
Your doctor may advise you to take antivirals to prevent the flu if:
- You are at high risk for problems from the flu because of your age or health and you did not get a flu vaccine.
- You live or work in a setting where there has been a flu outbreak, such as a nursing home.
Compare your options
Compare
What is usually involved? |
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|---|---|---|
What are the benefits? |
| |
What are the risks and side effects? |
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- You see your doctor and get the prescription filled.
- You take the medicine for 5 to 7 days.
- Antiviral medicines can shorten the course of the flu by about 1 day if you take them within 2 days of getting sick.
- They may make you less likely to spread the flu.
- They may help control flu outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes, where people are at high risk for problems from the flu.
- They may help prevent flu in people who did not get a flu vaccine.
- Antiviral medicines for the flu may cause minor problems, such as diarrhea, sinus infection (sinusitis), or nausea and vomiting (more common with Tamiflu [oseltamivir]).
- Relenza (zanamivir) may cause breathing problems in people who have serious lung problems.
- Tamiflu may increase the risk for self-injury and confusion in people who have the flu, especially children. They should be watched closely, and any odd behavior should be reported to a doctor.
- Taking antivirals when you don't really need them may lead to drug-resistant viruses that are harder to treat.
- You take care of yourself until you are better.
- You won't be exposed to risks or side effects from the medicines.
- You don't increase the risk of drug-resistant viruses that are harder to treat.
- The flu may last about 1 day longer than it would without medicines.
- People who are at risk for problems from the flu are more likely to have them if they don't take medicines.
- You may be more likely to spread the flu to others.
Personal stories about taking antiviral medicine for the flu
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
My dad has Alzheimer's, so he is in a nursing home. The residents get a flu shot every year, but last winter they had a flu outbreak in the home. They gave antivirals to everyone in his unit, and luckily he didn't get sick. He's so weak that I don't think he would have survived if he had gotten the flu.
Danni, age 48
I got the flu last winter, and it was pretty miserable. Somebody told me there was antiviral medicine I could take that could help, so I asked my doctor about it. He said it's mostly used for people who would be in danger if they got sick. He said he could prescribe it if I wanted, but it would only shorten the flu by about a day. I'm young and strong, so why spend the money? But this year I'm going to get a flu shot for sure.
Cody, age 29
Yesterday my wife came down with what I know are flu symptoms. I have to fly to China on Friday for a big meeting. I called my doctor, and she prescribed antivirals for me. I hope they work, because I can't afford to get sick now.
Paul, age 34
I help take care of my brother, Frank, who is bedridden. I had a bad reaction to the flu shot when I last got it, so my doctor suggested that I take an antiviral medicine instead. This helps keep me from getting the flu and passing it to Frank.
Maybelle, age 67
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take antivirals
Reasons not to take antivirals
I want to get over the flu as quickly as possible.
I don't want to take medicine if it will only shorten the flu by 1 day.
I'm very worried about problems from the flu, such as pneumonia.
I'm not worried about pneumonia or other problems from the flu.
I want to do everything I can to stop being sick.
I don't want to go to the doctor or take medicine unless I really need to.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking antivirals
NOT taking antivirals
What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Your Summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits and References
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology |
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Maternal and infant outcomes among severely ill pregnant and postpartum women with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1)-United States, April 2009-August 2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60(35): 1193-1196.
Flu: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine?
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
- Take antiviral medicine to treat or prevent the flu.
- Do not take antiviral medicine.
Key points to remember
- Most healthy adults who get the flu don't need antiviral medicine.
- Taking an antiviral may be a good idea for people who are at high risk for serious problems (complications) from the flu. This includes children, people 65 and older, and those with long-term (chronic) diseases or a weak immune system.
- Antiviral medicines can shorten the course of the flu but only by about 1 day. And you need to take the medicine within 2 days of getting sick for it to work.
- Antivirals may help control flu outbreaks in settings where people are at high risk of complications, such as nursing homes. If you live or work in such a setting during an outbreak, you may want to take an antiviral medicine, even if you got a flu vaccine.
- Antivirals do not take the place of a flu vaccine. The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year, as soon as it's available.
What are antiviral medicines for the flu?
Antivirals are medicines that make it harder for viruses to grow in your body. You can take an influenza (flu) antiviral either to prevent the flu or to treat the flu after you have it. Their main use is to help protect people who are at high risk for serious problems from the flu, such as pneumonia.
Antiviral medicines recommended for the flu are the neuraminidase inhibitors, which include oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
There are two main types of influenza virus-type A and type B. Type A causes most flu outbreaks. The neuraminidase inhibitors help fight both A and B viruses.
These antiviral medicines will not help fight other types of viral infections, such as colds.
Note: How well antiviral medicines work can vary from year to year as flu viruses change. For the past few years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised doctors not to use the antivirals amantadine and rimantadine to treat or prevent the flu.1 These medicines have not worked against most types of the flu virus. If you decide to take an antiviral, your doctor can prescribe the best one for you. For the most recent news on antiviral drugs, see the CDC's Web page on seasonal flu at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Who can take antivirals?
Antivirals are most often used to help control flu outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes and hospitals, where people who are at high risk for serious problems live close together.
Antivirals may be given to:
- People who are at high risk for serious problems from the flu, such as children, people 65 and older, and those with long-term (chronic) diseases or a weak immune system.
- People who did not get a flu vaccine and who are in close contact with anyone at high risk for problems from the flu.
- People at high risk for problems from the flu who are not able to get a flu vaccine.
Doctors may also prescribe antivirals for anyone who is diagnosed with the flu within the first 2 days of illness. This may help shorten the course of the flu and help prevent its spread.
Who should not take antiviral medicine?
Some antivirals are not intended for children or for people who have serious breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD. But your doctor can prescribe the correct type.
Antivirals can cost a lot-from about $70 to $100. They may not be worth the cost for people who are not at high risk from the flu.
Why might your doctor recommend antiviral medicines for you?
If you get the flu, your doctor may advise you to take antivirals to treat the flu if:
- You are at high risk for problems from the flu because of your age or health.
- You live or work with someone who is at high risk for problems from the flu.
- You have been sick for less than 2 days. If you have been sick for more than 2 days, the medicine won't help.
Your doctor may advise you to take antivirals to prevent the flu if:
- You are at high risk for problems from the flu because of your age or health and you did not get a flu vaccine.
- You live or work in a setting where there has been a flu outbreak, such as a nursing home.
2. Compare your options
| Take antivirals for the flu | Don't take antivirals for the flu | |
|---|---|---|
| What is usually involved? |
|
|
| What are the benefits? |
|
|
| What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
Personal stories
Personal stories about taking antiviral medicine for the flu
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"My dad has Alzheimer's, so he is in a nursing home. The residents get a flu shot every year, but last winter they had a flu outbreak in the home. They gave antivirals to everyone in his unit, and luckily he didn't get sick. He's so weak that I don't think he would have survived if he had gotten the flu."
— Danni, age 48
"I got the flu last winter, and it was pretty miserable. Somebody told me there was antiviral medicine I could take that could help, so I asked my doctor about it. He said it's mostly used for people who would be in danger if they got sick. He said he could prescribe it if I wanted, but it would only shorten the flu by about a day. I'm young and strong, so why spend the money? But this year I'm going to get a flu shot for sure."
— Cody, age 29
"Yesterday my wife came down with what I know are flu symptoms. I have to fly to China on Friday for a big meeting. I called my doctor, and she prescribed antivirals for me. I hope they work, because I can't afford to get sick now."
— Paul, age 34
"I help take care of my brother, Frank, who is bedridden. I had a bad reaction to the flu shot when I last got it, so my doctor suggested that I take an antiviral medicine instead. This helps keep me from getting the flu and passing it to Frank."
— Maybelle, age 67
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take antivirals
Reasons not to take antivirals
I want to get over the flu as quickly as possible.
I don't want to take medicine if it will only shorten the flu by 1 day.
I'm very worried about problems from the flu, such as pneumonia.
I'm not worried about pneumonia or other problems from the flu.
I want to do everything I can to stop being sick.
I don't want to go to the doctor or take medicine unless I really need to.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking antivirals
NOT taking antivirals
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1. If you are age 65 or older, should you take antiviral medicine if you get the flu?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
2. Can antiviral medicines help you get over the flu faster, no matter when you start taking them?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
3. Could you still need to take antiviral medicines for the flu, even if you had a flu vaccine?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
Decide what's next
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
- I'm ready to take action.
- I want to discuss the options with others.
- I want to learn more about my options.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology |
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). Maternal and infant outcomes among severely ill pregnant and postpartum women with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1)-United States, April 2009-August 2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60(35): 1193-1196.
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Current as of: March 25, 2017
