Flu Antiviral Medications

Flu antiviral medications can help you feel better faster - and prevent serious complications from the flu. At Banner Health, we want you to get the right care at the right time. Here’s what you should know about how flu antivirals work, who should take them and what to expect.

What are flu antiviral medications?

Flu antivirals are prescription medications that come in pill, liquid, inhaler or IV form. They work by stopping the flu virus from multiplying. This helps your body recover more quickly and reduces the chances of spreading the virus to others.

What antiviral medications are available for flu?

There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs used to treat influenza A and B, the most common strains during flu season.

Neuraminidase inhibitors: These block a protein the flu virus needs to spread.

• Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu): Pill or liquid. Safe for adults and children 2 weeks and older. Preferred for pregnant people and young children.
• Zanamivir (Relenza): Inhaled powder. Approved for ages 7 and up. Not recommended for people with asthma or COPD.
• Peramivir (Rapivab): Given through an IV. Approved for adults and children over 6 months.

Polymerase acidic endonuclease inhibitor:

• Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza): Single-dose pill. Approved for children ages 5–11 (without chronic conditions) and everyone 12 and older. Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What are the benefits of taking flu antivirals?

When started early - within 48 hours of symptoms - antivirals can:

• Shorten the duration of flu symptoms by about one day
• Lower the risk of complications, such as pneumonia or hospitalization
• Help prevent spreading the flu to others

Who should take flu antivirals?

Flu antivirals are especially important for people who:

Are at higher risk for complications:

• Children under 5
• Adults over 65
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes
• Those with weakened immune systems

Have severe symptoms, including:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest or belly pain
• Dizziness or confusion

Talk to your provider if you think you need antiviral treatment. These medications work best when taken within the first two days of symptoms.

Can flu antivirals prevent infection?

In some cases, yes. Antivirals may be used to prevent flu if you’ve been exposed and are at high risk, or if you work or live in settings with vulnerable populations. Preventive antivirals may be considered if you:

• Cannot receive the flu vaccine
• Were recently exposed to someone with the flu
• Care for or live with someone who is high risk
• Work in a hospital or long-term care facility experiencing an outbreak

These medications are not a replacement for getting vaccinated.

What are possible side effects?

Side effects vary depending on the medication. Talk to your provider about your medical history to find the safest option.

• Tamiflu (oseltamivir): Nausea, vomiting, headache; monitor kidney function if needed
• Relenza (zanamivir): Runny nose, dizziness, airway narrowing (not recommended for asthma/COPD)
• Rapivab (peramivir): Diarrhea, blood sugar or white blood cell changes; may require kidney monitoring
• Xofluza (baloxavir): Diarrhea, cough, nausea, sinus irritation, headache or rare allergic reactions

Can antibiotics treat the flu?

No. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Since the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective.

Flu antivirals are also different from medications used to treat other viral infections like COVID-19 - they specifically target influenza viruses.

Emergency symptoms to watch for

If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, contact your provider or seek emergency care right away:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or belly pain
• Dizziness or confusion
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty staying awake or unresponsive behavior

Learn more about when to seek medical care for the flu.

It’s not too late to get your flu shot

Antivirals help treat the flu, but the best protection is still getting vaccinated. The flu shot helps protect against the most common strains each season - and it can reduce the severity if you get sick again.

Even if you’ve already had the flu this season, the vaccine can help protect you from other strains that may still circulate.

Learn more about flu vaccines and common myths.

Protect yourself this flu season

You can get your flu shot during a visit to any Banner Urgent Care location. Walk in or save your spot online - no appointment required.

Find a Banner Urgent Care near you.