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- Also called: Influenza
- Type of ailment: Viral infection
- Duration: Five to seven days in healthy peopleWebMD: Influenza - Treatment Overview
- Common medication or therapy: Antiviral drugs, over-the-counter medications including decongestants, pain relievers and antihistamines
- Cause: Influenza virus A or B
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Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious infectious respiratory disease that affects millions of people each year. Flu is caused by a variety of influenza viruses.
While there are some antiviral medications that may help to reduce the severity of flu symptoms, shorten the duration of the flu or reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia, they cannot cure it. Much of the treatment for the flu involves at-home care, including resting and taking over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms while your body recovers from the infection.WebMD: Flu Treatment
Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of the flu vary, but typically include:- Fever of 100F to 104F
- Body aches and muscle pain
- Headache
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy noseWebMD: Influenza - Symptoms
- Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea are not as common but may be present, especially in childrenCDC: Influenza (Flu) Symptoms
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications may be prescribed to flu patients in pill, liquid or an inhaler form. As of 2009, four antiviral medications have been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of influenza:- Oseltamivir - Tamiflu
- Zanamivir - Relenza
- Amantadine - Symmetrel
- Rimantadine - FlumadineCDC: Antiviral Drugs
United States Statistics
- According to the CDC, between 5% and 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu each yearCDC: Seasonal Influenza
- Approximately 36,000 people die each year of complications from the fluCDC: Seasonal Influenza
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on influenza.
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