Baloxavir is a pill given as a single dose by mouth and is approved for early treatment of flu in children aged 5 years to less than 12 years who do not have any chronic medical conditions, and for all people aged 12 years and older.

Note : Baloxavir trade name Xofluza® is not recommended for treatment of flu in pregnant people, lactating people, or in outpatients with complicated or progressive illness because there is no information about use of baloxavir in these patients.

Baloxavir is also not recommended for treatment of flu in hospitalized patients due to limited data. To treat flu, oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir are usually prescribed for five days, while one dose of intravenous peramivir or one dose of oral Baloxavir are usually prescribed.

Oseltamivir treatment is given to hospitalized patients, and some patients might be treated for more than five days. Top of Page. Side effects vary for each medication. The most common side effects for oseltamivir are nausea and vomiting. Zanamivir can cause bronchospasm, and peramivir can cause diarrhea.

Other less common side effects also have been reported. Parents, if your child gets sick with flu, antiviral drugs offer a safe and effective treatment option. Yes, though this varies by medication. Oseltamivir is recommended by CDC for treatment of flu in children beginning from birth and the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommends oseltamivir for treatment of flu in children 2 weeks old or older.

Learn more here. Oral oseltamivir is recommended for treatment of pregnant people with flu because compared to other recommended antiviral medications, it has the most studies available to suggest that it is safe and beneficial during pregnancy.

Baloxavir is not recommended for pregnant people or while breastfeeding, as there are no available efficacy or safety data.

Although other people with mild illness who are not at higher risk of flu complications may also be treated early with antiviral drugs by their doctor, most people who are otherwise healthy and not at higher risk for flu complications do not need to be treated with antiviral drugs.

When you have flu, antibiotics will not help you feel better. Side effects of antibiotics can range from minor issues, like a rash, to very serious health problems, such as:.

Fact Sheet [PDF — KB]. Influenza Round Table: Take Three [Streaming, 2 min 20 sec] Dr. Joe Bresee describes how to keep from getting seasonal flu and spreading it to others by taking these three steps.

To receive weekly email updates about Seasonal Flu, enter your email address:. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search. Español Other Languages. What are Flu Antiviral Drugs.

Minus Related Pages. On This Page. Can flu be treated? What are flu antiviral drugs? What should I do if I think I am sick with flu? Should I still get a flu vaccine? Flu antiviral drugs are different from antiviral drugs used to treat other infectious diseases such as COVID Antiviral drugs prescribed to treat COVID are not approved or authorized to treat flu.

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The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Archived from the original on Retrieved Jan 1, February The New England Journal of Medicine.

doi : PMID Retrieved 21 September Australian Medicines Handbook Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook; But still. Ozone is a naturally occurring energy-rich molecule embodying unique physio-chemical and biological properties.

With viruses, ozone therapy damages the viral DNA and upsets the reproductive cycle by oxidizing our viral-invaded cells and eliminating them from our bodies, which are then replaced with healthy cells. There have been some promising studies examining how ozone can inactivate viruses and stimulate the immune system to speed up healing.

One study found that sweet basil the most common variety of basil exhibits potent effects against multiple kinds of viruses, while another found that basil supplements significantly increased levels of cells that help your body fight off viral infections.

It has a strong inhibitive effect against herpes and various respiratory viruses, and may also boost immune function and reduce inflammation.

Oregano: Yay! Another common, easy antiviral herb option. A test-tube study showed that oregano could reduce viral activity in just 15 minutes!! It inhibits virus replication by damaging DNA and RNA genetic material inside the viral protein, which prevents virus cells from entering human cells and replicating.

Peppermint: In one study , peppermint leaf extract both reduced inflammation and significantly reduced viral activity for a respiratory virus. Peppermint tea also contains compounds that have natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. The Best Defense Against Viruses: A Healthy Immune System At the end of the day, what kills viruses is your immune system.

Bacteria are tiny microorganisms that live all over the planet, including inside our bodies. Many bacteria are good and helpful, but some, called pathogenic bacteria, can cause bacterial infections.

Viruses are even tinier microorganisms, and they can only live and multiply in living tissue. They are parasitic, and use human cells to grow and sometimes even kill host cells! Antibiotics are effective at killing bacteria, but they do nothing against viruses and cause harm to your body when used unnecessarily.

Regular soap and water and good hand-washing hygiene!! are all it takes. There are a number of natural antivirals that can help protect you against a viral infection.

These include certain foods, colloidal silver, infrared saunas, ozone therapy and UV light. Antiviral herbs and antiviral supplements are the most powerful and potent natural antivirals.

Ultimately, the best defense against a virus is a strong immune system! Citations: Zhang XF, et al. Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, Applications, and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci.

Elvis AM, Ekta JS. Ozone therapy: A clinical review. J Nat Sci Biol Med. Chiang LC, et al. Antiviral activities of extracts and selected pure constituents of Ocimum basilicum. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. Mondal S, et al. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi Ocimum sanctum Linn.

leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. Hawkins J, et al. Black elderberry Sambucus nigra supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. Share with Friends and Family.

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In fact, Echinacea purpurea , a variety that produces cone-shaped flowers , was used by Native Americans to treat a wide array of conditions, including viral infections Several test-tube studies suggest that certain varieties of echinacea , including E.

pallida , E. angustifolia , and E. purpurea , are particularly effective at fighting viral infections like herpes and influenza Notably, E. purpurea is thought to have immune-boosting effects as well, making it particularly useful for treating viral infections Sambucus is a family of plants also called elder.

Elderberries are made into a variety of products, such as elixirs and pills, that are used to naturally treat viral infections like the flu and common cold. A study in mice determined that concentrated elderberry juice suppressed influenza virus replication and stimulated immune system response Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other natural practices for centuries.

Glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and glabridin are just some of the active substances in licorice that have powerful antiviral properties Test-tube studies demonstrate that licorice root extract is effective against HIV, RSV, herpes viruses, and severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus SARS-CoV , which causes a serious type of pneumonia 35 , 36 , Astragalus is a flowering herb popular in traditional Chinese medicine.

It boasts Astragalus polysaccharide APS , which has significant immune-enhancing and antiviral qualities Test-tube and animal studies show that astragalus combats herpes viruses, hepatitis C, and avian influenza H9 virus 39 , 40 , 41 , Plus, test-tube studies suggest that APS may protect human astrocyte cells, the most abundant type of cell in the central nervous system, from infection with herpes Ginger products, such as elixirs, teas, and lozenges, are popular natural remedies — and for good reason.

Ginger has been shown to have impressive antiviral activity thanks to its high concentration of potent plant compounds. Test-tube research demonstrates that ginger extract has antiviral effects against avian influenza, RSV, and feline calicivirus FCV , which is comparable to human norovirus 43 , 44 , Additionally, specific compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and zingerone, have been found to inhibit viral replication and prevent viruses from entering host cells Ginseng , which can be found in Korean and American varieties, is the root of plants in the Panax family.

Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, it has been shown to be particularly effective at fighting viruses. In animal and test-tube studies, Korean red ginseng extract has exhibited significant effects against RSV, herpes viruses, and hepatitis A 47 , 48 , Plus, compounds in ginseng called ginsenosides have antiviral effects against hepatitis B, norovirus, and coxsackieviruses, which are associated with several serious diseases — including an infection of the brain called meningoencephalitis Dandelions are widely regarded as weeds but have been studied for multiple medicinal properties, including potential antiviral effects.

Test-tube research indicates that dandelion may combat hepatitis B, HIV, and influenza 50 , 51 , Moreover, one test-tube study noted that dandelion extract inhibited the replication of dengue, a mosquito-borne virus that causes dengue fever.

This disease, which can be fatal, triggers symptoms like high fever, vomiting, and muscle pain 53 , Common kitchen herbs , such as basil, sage, and oregano, as well as lesser-known herbs like astragalus and sambucus, have powerful antiviral effects against numerous viruses that cause infections in humans.

However, keep in mind that most research has been conducted in test tubes and animals using concentrated extracts. If you decide to supplement with extracts, tinctures, or other herbal products, consult your healthcare provider to ensure safe usage.

Many delicious ingredients are also exceptionally healthy. Here are 10 of the world's healthiest herbs and spices, supported by science. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense that can be used to treat flu including seasonal flu and novel influenza viruses if you get sick.

Treatment of flu with influenza antiviral medications works best when started within days after flu symptoms begin, and can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about a day. Starting antiviral treatment shortly after symptoms begin also can help reduce some flu complications.

For adults hospitalized with flu, some studies have reported that early antiviral treatment can reduce their risk of death. Antiviral treatment provides the greatest benefit when started soon after flu illness begins.

Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be beneficial, especially if the sick person is at higher risk of serious flu complications or is in the hospital with more severe illness.

Follow instructions for taking these drugs. Generic oseltamivir and Tamiflu® are available as a pill or liquid suspension and are FDA approved for early treatment of flu in people 14 days and older. Zanamivir is a powdered medication that is inhaled and approved for early treatment of flu in people 7 years and older.

Note : Zanamivir trade name Relenza® is administered using an inhaler device and is not recommended for people with breathing problems like asthma or COPD. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are given twice a day for five days.

Peramivir is given once intravenously by a health care provider and is approved for early treatment of flu in people 6 months and older. Baloxavir is a pill given as a single dose by mouth and is approved for early treatment of flu in children aged 5 years to less than 12 years who do not have any chronic medical conditions, and for all people aged 12 years and older.

Note : Baloxavir trade name Xofluza® is not recommended for treatment of flu in pregnant people, lactating people, or in outpatients with complicated or progressive illness because there is no information about use of baloxavir in these patients.

Baloxavir is also not recommended for treatment of flu in hospitalized patients due to limited data. To treat flu, oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir are usually prescribed for five days, while one dose of intravenous peramivir or one dose of oral Baloxavir are usually prescribed.

Oseltamivir treatment is given to hospitalized patients, and some patients might be treated for more than five days. Top of Page. Side effects vary for each medication. The most common side effects for oseltamivir are nausea and vomiting.

Zanamivir can cause bronchospasm, and peramivir can cause diarrhea. Other less common side effects also have been reported. Parents, if your child gets sick with flu, antiviral drugs offer a safe and effective treatment option.

Yes, though this varies by medication. Oseltamivir is recommended by CDC for treatment of flu in children beginning from birth and the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommends oseltamivir for treatment of flu in children 2 weeks old or older. Learn more here. Oral oseltamivir is recommended for treatment of pregnant people with flu because compared to other recommended antiviral medications, it has the most studies available to suggest that it is safe and beneficial during pregnancy.

Baloxavir is not recommended for pregnant people or while breastfeeding, as there are no available efficacy or safety data. Although other people with mild illness who are not at higher risk of flu complications may also be treated early with antiviral drugs by their doctor, most people who are otherwise healthy and not at higher risk for flu complications do not need to be treated with antiviral drugs.

When you have flu, antibiotics will not help you feel better. Side effects of antibiotics can range from minor issues, like a rash, to very serious health problems, such as:.

One study looked at the effects of spirulina on three predominant types of influenza 9. Considerable evidence suggests that after one hour, the blue algae inhibited virus replication.

Many of the antiviral benefits of spirulina are attributed to its high levels of cyanovirin-N. This protein has shown promise in slowing down the progression of HIV to AIDS This plant-based food is also a great source of Vitamin E.

Vitamin E not only helps fight off free radicals but it helps convert our food to energy. So, by consuming Vitamin E, we can cut down the inflammatory-causing fat tissues that might cause an adverse immune response.

This preventative measure makes our body less susceptible to viral replication. If you give a shiitake about your health, you should give shiitake mushrooms a try. In fact, shittake mushrooms are so popular that many health food stores sell it in organic teas!

Shiitake mushrooms are teeming with beta-glucans. These are sugars that have antiviral capabilities. In fact, hospitals administer beta-glucans via an IV to prevent infection post-surgery One study on the antiviral benefits of shiitake mushrooms found that these foods had a positive impact on the immune system.

Researchers stated that compounds in shiitake mushrooms increased secretory immunoglobulin A sIgA in the body They noted that this action improved gut motility, which would help with many gastro problems.

sIgA is an antibody. It plays a significant role in protecting the cell membrane. As we mentioned, viruses like to use the cells as hosts so they can carry out their agenda.

Eating antiviral foods rich in sIgA can help prevent that attack. We are big proponents of drinking tea in a healthy gut diet plan. Green tea is one of the many reasons why tea time is always on our agenda.

Our tasty brew is enriched with catechins. In particular, green tea has an abundance of epigallocatechin gallate EGCG. Furthermore, EGCG and ECG inhibited the activity of viral RNA ribonucleic acid , which suppressed virus propagation Suffice to say, if you are showing some symptoms of the flu, get the tea flowing.

Add some star anise to your green tea. If not, try the next item on our list of top antiviral foods. Elderberries are finally getting the credit they deserve in the world of flu prevention. These things got more Vitamin C than the ever-popular orange!

Compounds in this superfruit bind onto the little spikes found on virus proteins. As a result, these viruses are unable to leech onto healthy cells and overtake the system.

One study administered treatment to 60 influenza patients Half received elderberry syrup, while the other group had a placebo. Those who consumed elderberry felt better on an average of four days sooner than their counterparts.

It should be noted that elderberries are one of the best foods for flu and preventative measures against viral attacks. In fact, many Vitamin C supplements contain elderberry.

However, if you have COVID, Dr. Weil suggests to stop using this immune booster. He noted that cases of the coronavirus may experience an adverse immune response from elderberry. One of the best antiviral foods is probiotics. Probiotics in yogurt help set up our gut to be the first line of defense against viral infection.

Many healthy adults start their day off right with a yummy yogurt bowl. For extra gut-healing power, make sure you get yogurt fortified with Vitamin D.

May people have low levels of Vitamin D3, which is essential for many metabolic functions that support our immune system. Speaking of, add in some berries for free radical protection.