Influenza Treatment

How is Influenza Diagnosed?

The doctor will diagnose flu on the basis of symptoms, physical examination, and lab tests, wherever necessary. Prompt diagnosis is important because antiviral drugs work best in the first two days of illness. The most commonly used techniques for diagnosis are:

• Clinical evaluation of acute onset of fever, cough, sore throat and muscle pains

• Rapid influenza antigen test for immediate results at the clinic

• RT-PCR/Nucleic acid amplification test for confirmation of the virus and its type

• Pulse oximetry to measure oxygen saturation in severe illness

• Chest X-ray to detect pneumonia in breathless patients

• Blood tests to determine infection and the functioning of organs in severe illness

• Exclusion of dengue fever, COVID-19 and other causes of fever

How is Influenza Treated Based on Severity?

Recommended influenza treatment based on severity is as follows:

Types of Influenza and Their Treatment

Various types of influenza, along with their treatments, are as follows:

Antiviral and First-Line Treatments for Influenza

Influenza treatment involves both symptomatic treatment and antiviral drugs for those who require them. The list of first-line therapy agents is provided below:

• Oseltamivir is recommended as an antiviral drug for severe flu, hospitalised individuals, pregnant women and children.

• Baloxavir is prescribed once to high-risk patients with non-severe influenza, ideally within two days of symptoms.

• It is more effective to initiate antivirals within two days after the start of symptoms.

• Paracetamol is used to reduce fever and treat aching muscles.

• Rest and hydration are the methods most people need to recover at home.

• Aspirin is not administered to children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Other Treatments for Influenza

The other treatments of influenza include the following:

• Oxygen therapy is provided if there is a decrease in oxygen level due to severe disease.

• Intensive care therapy with ventilator assistance is required if respiration fails.

• Zanamivir inhalation and peramivir injection are alternative antiviral therapies.

• Antibiotics are administered if there is a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia.

• Antiviral prophylaxis is given to high-risk contacts within 48 hours after contact.

• Corticosteroids are not routinely recommended for influenza unless required for another medical condition, such as an asthma or COPD exacerbation.

Oral Medications for Influenza

Medication is taken by mouth to combat the virus and alleviate the symptoms of influenza. Some of the common oral medications include:

• Oseltamivir: Can be used to reduce the duration of illness and the risk of complications when started early in eligible patients.

• Baloxavir Marboxil: A single-dose antiviral used for selected uncomplicated influenza cases in eligible patients.

• Paracetamol: Helps reduce fever and relieve body aches.

• Cough Medicines: May be prescribed to provide temporary relief from cough.

• Antihistamines: Can be used to help relieve a runny nose and sneezing in some people.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Influenza

While home remedies reduce symptoms and provide relief, they cannot be used to substitute evidence-based medication for treating influenza. These can include:

• Tulsi, which has traditionally been used to reduce the symptoms of cough and cold.

• Giloy, which has traditionally been used to boost the body’s immune system against fever.

• Ginger and honey mixture can be used to reduce a sore throat.

• Turmeric milk is traditionally consumed due to its anti-inflammatory nature.

• Steam inhalation mixed with ajwain, which has traditionally been used to reduce nasal congestion.

• Warm herbal kadha, which has traditionally been used for respiration.

Home Care for Managing Influenza

People suffering from the flu normally get well by themselves at home. Some home care tips to manage influenza are provided below:

• Rest till the time your fever breaks and you regain your energy.

• Keep yourself hydrated and drink lots of soups and liquids.

• Have paracetamol as suggested to bring down the fever and body aches.

• Gargle with warm saline water for a sore throat.

• Isolate yourself from others till the time you become non-infectious.

• Cover your mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing.

• Stay home until the fever has resolved for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines.

• Continue drinking fluids even if your appetite is poor.

Get medical help at the earliest if you experience breathlessness, chest pain or confusion.

How Long Does Influenza Treatment Take?

Influenza usually settles within a week or two. The table shows approximate timelines for different treatments:

Note: Treatment duration may vary depending on the strain involved, how early the treatment has started, the age of the patient and any existing health conditions.

Influenza Treatment Side Effects

Anti-influenza drugs are quite safe, although some might have minor side effects. The usual side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Abdominal pain

• Bronchospasm with inhaled zanamivir

• Rare allergic reactions

• Rare confusion or abnormal behaviour, mainly in children taking antivirals

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Influenza

Certain lifestyle changes can help manage influenza and reduce the risk of recurrence. These changes include:

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke can irritate the airways and worsen cough or breathing problems.

• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol may contribute to dehydration, disturb sleep and interfere with recovery.

• Maintain Good Respiratory Hygiene: Cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues safely.

• Wash Hands Regularly: Frequent handwashing helps prevent the virus from spreading to family members and others.

• Avoid Close Contact: Limit contact with older adults, infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity while symptoms are present.,

• Keep Living Spaces Ventilated: Allow fresh air to circulate indoors and avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places during influenza outbreaks.

• Get Vaccinated Annually: Annual influenza vaccination is helpful to reduce the risk of infection and serious complications.

• Resume Activities Gradually: Return to work, exercise, and resume regular activities slowly after fever and weakness have improved.

Triggers That Can Worsen Influenza Symptoms

The following factors can make influenza symptoms worse or increase the risk of complications:

• Delayed Antiviral Treatment: Starting antiviral medicines late in eligible patients may reduce their effectiveness.

• Smoking and Second-hand Smoke: These can irritate the airways and worsen cough, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can worsen fatigue, dizziness, and recovery.

• Underlying Medical Conditions: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease can increase illness severity.

• Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immunity are at a higher risk of severe influenza and complications.

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the risk of severe influenza and may require early antiviral treatment.

• Very Young or Older Age: Children under 5 years, especially those under 2 years, and adults aged 65 years or older are more likely to develop complications.

• Ignoring Warning Signs: Delaying medical care despite difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion or worsening symptoms, which can lead to serious complications.

Influenza Treatment Cost in India

Mild influenza can usually be managed at home with inexpensive medicines and supportive care. Treatment costs increase if antiviral medicines, diagnostic tests, hospitalisation, oxygen therapy or intensive care are required. The total cost varies depending on the hospital, city and severity of illness. Government hospitals offer testing and treatment at low or no cost.

Does Health Insurance Cover Influenza Treatment in India?

Yes, health insurance covers the influenza treatment in India. Mild influenza is treated on an outpatient basis and thus requires OPD cover. However, severe cases that may require hospitalisation, including oxygen therapy, diagnostic tests and ICU stay, are covered under standard health insurance policies. 

However, coverage depends on the policy terms and conditions and are subject to an initial waiting period of 30 days.