How to Treat the Flu

Have you caught the flu (influenza)? Knowing what to do may help you feel better sooner and stop others from becoming sick.

At Banner Health, we are committed to providing you with the best medical care. Here is what you need to know about managing the flu.

At-home flu treatment tips

If you have flu symptoms , quick action is important so you can feel better as soon as possible.

Most flu cases can be treated at home with simple steps, including:

• Rest: Your body needs time to rest and heal. Take naps and get plenty of sleep to help your immune system fight the flu virus.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Sip on water, herbal teas and clear broths or soups to stay hydrated. Fluids also help with fever and sweating.
• Relieve pain and fever: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) can help lower fever and ease body aches and headaches. Follow the dose directions on the label or use as prescribed by your health care provider.
  • Don’t take aspirin when you have the flu. It has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness that can cause swelling in the liver and brain.
• Soothe your throat and nose: Gargle with warm salt water to ease a sore throat. Carefully inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a warm shower to help with a stuffy nose. Learn how you can safely use OTC saline nasal sprays or rinses to help with nasal congestion.
• Stay away from others: Stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours to avoid spreading the virus. Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Watch for signs of a serious illness: Contact your health care provider if your symptoms get worse, you have signs of dehydration or have difficulty managing the flu at home.

Over-the-counter flu medicine: What works

Cold and flu medications can help your symptoms, but it is important to use them carefully and follow recommended dosages. If you have questions, ask your health care provider or a pharmacist.

Some options include:

• Pain and fever medicines: OTC medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can help lower a fever and ease body aches and headaches.
• Decongestants: These can help clear up a stuffy nose.
• Antihistamines: These can help stop sneezing and a runny nose.
• Cough drops and suppressants: To help you cough less and soothe your throat.

Flu medicine tips for people with high blood pressure

People with high blood pressure (hypertension) need to be careful when using cold and flu medicine. Some drugs, like decongestants, can raise your blood pressure and make your blood pressure medicine less effective. 

Here are some recommendations:

• Talk to your provider: They can recommend safe flu medicines and dosages for you.
• Choose safe options: Choose OTC medicines labeled “hypertension-friendly” or “safe for high blood pressure.” You can also ask your pharmacist for recommendations.
• Be careful with salt: Some medicines – especially liquids – may contain high sodium levels which can raise your blood pressure. Canned broths and soups may also have high sodium. When in doubt, ask your provider or pharmacist.
• Check your blood pressure: Keep a close eye on your blood pressure readings. Report any changes to your provider.

Learn more about how to choose the best cold or flu medication.

Prescription antiviral drugs for the flu

Usually, you’ll need nothing more than self-care at home to treat flu symptoms.

However, antiviral drugs may be prescribed in some cases, especially if you have a severe infection or are in a high-risk group. People at higher risk of flu complications include children under 5 years old, adults over 65, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Antiviral medications work by slowing the flu virus’s ability to multiply, allowing you to get better more quickly. These prescription drugs include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab) or baloxavir (Xofluza).

If your provider prescribes antiviral medications, you should start taking them within 48 hours (about two days) of getting sick and carefully follow your provider’s instructions.

Learn more about antiviral medications for the flu.

How long does the flu last?

Mild cases of the flu usually last between 7 to 14 days (about two weeks). You may have a cough that lingers for a few weeks after other symptoms disappear.

The flu is contagious before you show symptoms (up to 24 hours before symptoms begin) and up to a week after symptoms start. Wait until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school, work or other public places.

Why you still need a flu shot - even after the flu

Even if you have the flu, there are many good reasons to get a flu shot once you are better. That’s because several strains of the flu circulate each season.

The flu shot boosts your defense against different strains. This can help limit how long you are sick if you catch the flu again.

Learn more about flu vaccination and common myths and facts about flu shots.