How effective are antiviral medications for treating the flu?

Special antiviral medications can fight against the spread of flu viruses in the body. In Germany, the drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir are commonly used to treat the flu.

Oseltamivir and zanamivir are neuraminidase inhibitors: These drugs aim to block a protein called neuraminidase. Flu viruses need neuraminidase in order to spread in the body. Both of the drugs have to be prescribed by a doctor. This means that you can only get the medication with a prescription. Oseltamivir is the better-known of the two. It is available in Germany under the trade name Tamiflu. Oseltamivir is usually taken in capsule form. Zanamivir (brand name: Relenza) is available as an infusion (a drip) or for inhalation (breathing in). Both medications are commonly taken twice a day for a total of five days.

Studies show that antiviral medications can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by a few hours. On average the difference is less than one day.

The studies also found no evidence that antiviral drugs can prevent severe illness or serious complications. It is unclear whether people are less contagious when taking antiviral medications.

The most common side effects of oseltamivir are vomiting and nausea. About 4 out of 100 people are affected. I rare cases, zanamivir causes the airways to narrow or affects the functioning of the lungs. That is why it is especially important for people who have asthma or COPD to carefully weigh the pros and cons together with their doctor.

A flu usually goes away on its own after about one to three weeks. Symptoms like fever, cough, a runny or stuffy nose, and a sore throat or headache are certainly unpleasant, and they can make you feel really bad. It usually isn’t necessary to take any pills or tablets. If you have the flu, it's most important to get some rest until the symptoms go away. Doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you have a high fever.

Many people also use home remedies such as chicken soup or herbal teas to relieve their symptoms or simply because they find them soothing. And many people also find it pleasant to inhale water vapor, with or without additives. But there's no compelling evidence that these remedies are effective at helping you recover from the flu.

Fever or pain can be reduced with painkillers like acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, the drug in medicines like Aspirin), and ibuprofen.

You can use a decongestant nasal spray or nose drops for a few days to relieve a stuffy nose. To stop the urge to cough, you can drink fluids to keep your airways moist and avoid possible triggers like dry air or smoke. You could also try herbal remedies, such as extracts of ivy leaf, thyme, or primrose root. They are available from pharmacies without a prescription.

There is a wide variety of over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu symptoms, such as those containing zinc, vitamins or herbal extracts. But there's no compelling evidence that they're effective against the flu.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not against viruses. So antibiotics can only help with the flu if there is an additional bacterial infection that is leading to complications. They don't have any benefit otherwise.