How to recover faster when you have the flu, according to science

With flu season in full swing, many of us are coughing, aching, and hiding under the covers as we fight seasonal infection. Fortunately, most people flu feel better within about a week after the onset of symptoms.

However, an average flu infection can disrupt daily life and risk of flu spreading. This raises the question: Are there scientifically proven ways to shorten flu infection?

Live Science spoke to two experts to find out.

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Can antiviral drugs shorten flu infection?

The main way to shorten the duration of a flu infection is to take antiviral medications, that is, drugs designed specifically to fight viral infections. Dr. Timothy Brewerprofessor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, told LiveScience. Four antivirals are currently approved Drugs used by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat influenza: Tamiflu (generic name oseltamivir), Relenza (zanamivir), Rapivab (peramivir) and Xofluza (baloxavir).

Tamiflu is probably the best-known example of a flu antiviral. This oral prescription medication is approved for use by people who are at least 2 weeks old and have flu symptoms. not more than two days. The drug works by blocking the activity of an enzyme that typically allows flu viruses to multiply in the body. This enzyme is related to influenza A and B viruses, the two main types of seasonal flu that make people sick. So Tamiflu helps immune system prevent infections.

Brewer said there is good evidence that if you start taking Tamiflu within the first two days of the onset of your symptoms, the drug will shorten the duration of your illness. Flu symptoms usually last about a week and clinical trials It showed that Tamiflu could speed up recovery by as much as a day. placebo.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that patients hospitalized with flu infection be given an antiviral such as Tamiflu as soon as they are admitted. The study found that taking Tamiflu at the time of application Reduce death rates by 40%compared to delaying treatment by just a few days.

Relenza, Rapivab, and Xofluza differ from Tamiflu in the way they are administered. For example, Relenza inhaledRapivab is injected. The drugs are also approved for groups other than Tamiflu; xofluza For example, it only applies to patients who are at least 5 years old. There is also evidence that these medications may shorten the duration of flu symptoms. with about one day.

Relating to: Data tip shows flu vaccine reduces risk of hospitalization by 35% in vulnerable groups

Close-up view of a Tamiflu pill strip held in front of a box of Tamiflu pills.

Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu in the picture above, have been scientifically proven to shorten the duration of flu infection. (Image credit: HOANG DINH NAM/Staff via Getty Images)

Are there other ways to shorten a flu infection?

Some people may take non-pharmaceutical products such as vitamin C, zinc, or echinacea in hopes of relieving flu symptoms and healing faster. But there is now there is not enough clinical evidence to suggest that these strategies achieve any of these goals.

Many studies have focused on how these products specifically target cold symptoms rather than flu. Colds are also respiratory illnesses, but they can be caused by many different viruses, whereas flu is caused only by influenza viruses.

“If people want to take vitamin C, that’s certainly a good thing, but there’s no evidence that I’m aware of that has any benefit (for flu),” Brewer said. “Zinc is another thing people have tried, although there is no clear evidence that it affects the duration of flu infection.”

There are several medications on the market that can treat flu symptoms, but they do not target the root cause of the infection to shorten the duration of the infection. For example, painkillers and antipyretics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen may help relieve flu symptoms, Dr. Richard Zimmermanprofessor of family medicine and clinical epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh, told LiveScience.

However, children and young people who take aspirin while having a viral illness have a very small risk of contracting a deadly disease called Reye’s syndromeIt can cause brain swelling and liver damage. Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown, aspirin is not recommended due to the link between the drug and viral infections. Should not be given to those under 19 years of age Unless the doctor recommends it.

honey is a pretty good track record Zimmerman noted it to treat coughs. However, it should never be given to children under 1 year of age because there is a risk of contamination. developing baby botulism. This is because honey may be contaminated with spores. Clostridium botulinum, The bacteria behind botulism and babies’ immune systems not mature enough to suppress infection.

Getting a flu vaccine will not shorten the duration of your infection if you get the flu. However, the vaccine may reduce the severity of your symptoms if you become infected. This puts you at lower risk Development of serious complications of the disease serious, which can lead to hospitalization or death lung inflammation.

Vaccination is not a cure, but a preventive measure against flu; because partly about 14 days After vaccination for the immune response to fully develop. If you catch the flu by then, your body will likely have fought off the infection, Zimmerman said. That’s why experts recommend getting a flu vaccine in September or OctoberBefore flu season starts to ramp up in earnest.

To begin with, anything you can do to maintain a healthy immune system (like eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, not smoking and staying hydrated) will also likely reduce your risk of getting seriously ill from a flu infection, Brewer said. But antivirals are your best bet for shortening the disease.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice.

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