How is the flu and pneumonia treated?
The flu is usually treated with rest and fluids and fever reducers. But someone at risk of flu complications is often treated more aggressively, usually with antiviral medications. Two of the most common ones are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or sanamivir (Relenza). Antiviral medications can shorten the duration of illness, lessen the severity of symptoms and reduce the chance of complications. Antivirals should be started within 48 hours or as soon as possible after flu symptoms appear. Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. Severe pneumonia is treated in the hospital with antibiotics given intravenously (through the vein). Breathing support (mechanical ventilation) may be needed in very severe cases if much of the lungs are involved. How can I prevent the flu and pneumonia? The best treatment for both illnesses is prevention with a vaccine. • The flu vaccine. You need to get a flu shot every fall, because the flu virus mutates (changes) every year. • The pneumonia vaccine. This vaccine, call
