Just like the flu shot can help prevent the flu (influenza), antiviral medications can reduce how long you're sick. This is especially helpful for people in high-risk groups.
At Banner Health, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Here's what you need to know about how antiviral medications work, who should take them and how they can help.
Flu antivirals are prescription drugs available as pills, liquids, inhalers or IV medications. They work by stopping the flu virus from multiplying, helping you recover faster and reducing the risk of complications.
here are four Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antiviral drugs for flu treatment. These medications target influenza A and B viruses, which are most common during flu season. The most prescribed are neuraminidase inhibitors, which block a protein the flu virus needs to spread:
Another antiviral, baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), works differetly:
Early antiviral treatment—within 48 hours of symptom onset—can:
Flu antivirals work best when taken within two days of getting sick and are especially important for:
People at high risk for flu complications, including:
People with severe symptoms, such as:
Talk with your health care provider if you think you need antiviral treatment.
Can flu antivirals prevent infection?
Some flu antivirals can also be used to prevent flu in certain situations, though this is not a substitute for getting vaccinated.
Your provider may recommend preventive antivirals if you:
According to the CDC, side effects vary by medication:
Always discuss your medical history and medications with your provider to choose the safest option
No. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. The flu is caused by a virus, so it won’t respond to antibiotics.
Flu antivirals are different from those used to treat other viruses, like COVID-19. They specifically target the flu virus.
Call your health care provider or seek immediate medical care if you or a loved one has/is:
Learn more about seeking medical care for the flu.
Flu antivirals treat influenza, but the best way to prevent it is still getting vaccinated. Multiple strains of flu circulate each season, and the flu shot offers protection against the most common ones.
Even if you've already had the flu this season, a flu shot can help protect you from getting sick again with a different strain.
Learn more about flu vaccination and common myths and facts about flu shots.
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