Self Care

• The flu may be treated at home. Recovering from the flu will require several days of rest, which will allow your body time to fight off the infection. Also, extra fluids will be needed to prevent dehydration. Water, juice, broths and soups are good choices. Over-the-counter medications such as Motrin and Tylenol may help reduce fever and alleviate aches and pains.
  
  

Prescription Medications

• Prescription medications may be used to shorten the duration of the flu. A doctor may prescribe either Tamiflu or Relenza, both of which are antiviral medications. Tamiflu comes in pill form while Relenza is inhaled using a special dispenser. These medications shorten the illness by blocking the enzyme that in needed to help the virus spread. Side effects of both may include nausea, poor appetite, vomiting, light-headedness and breathing difficulties.
  
  

Treating Complications

• Sometimes the flu can lead to other complications such as sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections, pneumonia and even encephalitis. The most common complication of the flu is pneumococcal pneumonia, which is a serious bacterial lung infection. Complications of the flu often require treatment with antibiotic medications. In severe cases hospital care may be needed.