ANTIVIRALS

What are antivirals?

Antivirals are prescription medications that actively attack the flu virus and stop it from spreading to the rest of your body. In order to be effective, antiviral medications must be used within the first 12-48 hours of onset of flu symptoms. Learn about a prescription antiviral medication option.

Antivirals can be used to:

• Prevent widespread influenza outbreaks in shared living facilities, such as nursing homes and college dormitories
• Protect individuals who are unable to receive flu vaccinations. (If you are pregnant or allergic to eggs, ask your doctor about whether or not you should get a flu shot.)
• Protect you when a flu epidemic is caused by virus strains other than those covered by the vaccine

Preventing the Flu with Antivirals

Not only can antivirals help treat the flu, they can also help prevent you from getting it. For example, if your loved one is diagnosed with the flu, an antiviral can help to protect you from catching this virus. Be sure to speak to your doctor about prevention so when that time comes that someone close to you has the flu, you can protect yourself.

Types of Antivirals

Four different antiviral medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment and/or prevention of the flu:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu^®)
• Zanamivir (Relenza^®)
• Amantadine (Symmetrel^®)
• Rimantadine (Flumadine^®)

Antivirals attack the flu virus and help stop it from spreading inside your body. Even better, some can be used to treat children as young as 1 year old.

If You Get the Flu, Antivirals Can Help

Should you or a family member come down with the flu, antivirals may be your best bet. Antivirals can shorten the duration of the flu, but only if they're taken within 12-48 hours of the onset of symptoms. So if you think you feel symptoms coming on, act fast and speak to your doctor immediately. We've prepared a list of helpful questions to ask your doctor to help you make the most of your visit.

Discover a prescription flu medicine that can help prevent the flu or shorten its duration.