Influenza (flu) is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, shorten the course of illness, and prevent complications. Main treatment options include antiviral medications, supportive therapy, and vaccination. Antiviral drugs directly inhibit viral replication, while supportive therapy manages symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. Vaccination is a key measure for prevention of infection.
Treatment should be tailored based on the patient's age, health status, and severity of symptoms. High-risk groups such as the elderly, patients with chronic illnesses, or those with compromised immune systems should be prioritized for antiviral therapy to reduce the risk of severe illness. Early treatment can significantly improve prognosis, and it is recommended to start medication within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Main treatment types include antiviral drugs and supportive therapy. Antiviral agents such as neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g., Oseltamivir, Zanamivir) can block viral release and inhibit the spread of infection. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) works by inhibiting the maturation of viral particles, reducing viral transmission between human cells.
Supportive therapy includes antipyretics (such as acetaminophen), fluid replacement, and rest. Some patients may use corticosteroids or antibiotics, but antibiotics should only be used when bacterial superinfection is confirmed. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments like herbal formulas or acupuncture can be used as adjuncts to relieve symptoms, but should be administered under professional medical guidance.
Antiviral drugs are indicated for patients with laboratory-confirmed or suspected influenza, especially when used within 48 hours of symptom onset. Suitable candidates include:
Supportive therapy is generally applicable to all patients, particularly those with fever or dehydration, who require increased fluid and nutritional intake. TCM treatments are suitable during the recovery phase and should avoid sweating-inducing herbs during the acute febrile stage.
For adults, Oseltamivir is typically administered at 75 mg twice daily for 5 days; dosage for children is adjusted based on weight. Inhaled Zanamivir is given twice daily, one dose each time, suitable for children over 2 years old and those unwilling to take pills. Severe cases or patients with renal impairment require dosage adjustments and must follow medical instructions strictly.
Antipyretics such as acetaminophen should not exceed 500 mg per dose, with a total daily dose not exceeding 4000 mg. Herbal prescriptions should be based on syndrome differentiation; for example, wind-heat type influenza may be treated with Yin Qiao San with modifications, but should avoid overlapping with Western antipyretics.
Antiviral drugs can shorten the illness duration by 1-2 days and reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis by 30-50%. Supportive therapy effectively relieves fever and muscle aches, improving patient comfort. Vaccination can reduce infection risk by 40-60% and decrease the incidence of severe cases.
TCM treatments can modulate constitution and reduce side effects of chemical drugs, but interactions between Chinese and Western medicines should be noted.
Antiviral medications may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and vomiting, with an incidence of about 10-20%. Rare but serious adverse effects include neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., anxiety, hallucinations). These side effects often occur early in treatment and require immediate discontinuation and medical attention.
Overdose of antipyretics may lead to liver damage, and prolonged use of corticosteroids can suppress immunity. Herbal treatments may cause allergic reactions or drug interactions, such as with anticoagulants, requiring caution.
Contraindications include:
During antiviral therapy, alcohol consumption should be avoided as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort. TCM contraindications include severe dehydration, altered consciousness, or ongoing chemotherapy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using any medication.
When combining antiviral drugs with antibiotics, note that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses but can treat bacterial superinfections. When used with analgesics like acetaminophen, avoid overdose to prevent liver burden.
When combining Chinese and Western medicines, a minimum interval of 2 hours is recommended, with regular monitoring of liver and kidney function.
Oseltamivir used within 48 hours of symptom onset can shorten illness duration by about 1.3 days and reduce complication risks by 30%. A 2017 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that high-risk groups using antiviral drugs had a 40% reduction in mortality. Vaccination provides about 40-60% protection, but needs annual updates due to viral mutations.
Clinical evidence for supportive therapy indicates that adequate hydration can reduce dehydration complications by 65%, and antipyretics effectively control body temperature. TCM treatments have been observed to improve symptoms like sore throat and headache, with patient satisfaction increasing by 30-50%.
If intolerant to neuraminidase inhibitors, newer antiviral drugs like Baloxavir (Xofluza) can be used, which act with a single dose. Supportive therapy can include physical cooling methods (e.g., lukewarm sponge baths) or OTC medications like ibuprofen to relieve muscle aches.
TCM alternatives include:
Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir are recommended to be started within 48 hours of symptom onset for optimal efficacy. These drugs can shorten illness duration by about 1-2 days and reduce complication risks. If symptoms have persisted beyond 48 hours, they can still be used under medical advice, but the effectiveness may be limited.
What foods should be avoided during treatment? What nutritional recommendations are advised?During treatment, it is recommended to avoid spicy, high-sugar, and hard-to-digest foods to prevent gastrointestinal irritation. It is beneficial to consume high-protein, vitamin C-rich foods such as chicken soup, vegetable juices, and fruits, and maintain adequate hydration. If appetite is poor, eat small portions frequently and avoid fasting to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
What should be done if symptoms recur or worsen after antiviral treatment?If symptoms do not improve or worsen (e.g., persistent high fever, difficulty breathing), it may indicate bacterial superinfection or other complications. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary to adjust medication or add treatments. Continue monitoring temperature and respiratory status, and follow the physician’s instructions to complete the full course of therapy, avoiding self-discontinuation.
How long does full recovery from influenza usually take? How long does immunity last after recovery?Mild influenza symptoms typically resolve within 3-7 days, but physical recovery may take 1-2 weeks. Immunity against the specific viral strain usually lasts about 6-8 months, but due to frequent viral mutations, annual vaccination is recommended to maintain protection. For severe cases, post-recovery physical training is advised to avoid overexertion.
Can Chinese herbs or herbal supplements be taken concurrently during treatment? What drug interactions should be noted?Herbal medicines or supplements may interact with antiviral drugs or antipyretics. For example, Ginkgo biloba and ginseng may affect blood clotting, and vitamin E may enhance anticoagulant effects. Consult a physician or TCM practitioner before combining non-prescription remedies to reduce the risk of liver and kidney burden and adverse effects.
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