What medications can I take to treat the flu?
Flu season is upon us, and it's a good time to think about protecting yourself and your family from the germs making the rounds. While the annual flu shot is your best line of defense, it’s also helpful to know your treatment options in case you get sick.
If you start feeling symptoms like fever, chills, a cough, congestion or body aches, you can walk right into any CityMD urgent care or Book a Visit online for quick flu testing and treatment. You can also connect with a Summit Health primary care doctor for continued care throughout the flu season.
The CDC recommends certain antiviral medications that can help you feel better faster and lower your risk of complications. Here’s what you need to know about who should take them, how they work and what to expect.
What types of flu medications are there?
Four antiviral medications are approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC to treat the flu this season. Each has different age ranges, formulations and dosing instructions.
These treatments include:
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®): This comes as a pill or liquid and can be used by adults and children of all ages. It is the preferred option for treating flu in pregnant people and children. It is available as generic and is the most cost-effective treatment option.
- Zanamivir (Relenza®): This is an inhaler for adults and children 7 years and older. It is not recommended for people with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Peramivir (Rapivab®): Given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider, this is an option for adults and children 6 months and older.
- Baloxavir (Xofluza®): This is a single-dose pill that can be used by adults and children 5 years and older. It is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How flu antiviral medications work
Antivirals get to work by stopping the flu virus from multiplying in your body. When you start them early—ideally within 48 hours of your first symptoms—they can shorten your illness by about a day and may reduce your risk of flu-related complications.
Side effects can vary depending on the medication. Oseltamivir might cause nausea or vomiting, but taking it with food often helps. Zanamivir can cause airway tightening in people with respiratory issues. Peramivir and baloxavir may lead to diarrhea. If you have any known allergies to a medication or its ingredients, you should avoid it and talk to a healthcare provider.
Can older adults and children take antiviral flu medications?
Yes, they can. Older adults and children can safely take antiviral flu medications. In fact, they are often among the groups who benefit most from treatment because they have a higher risk for complications from the flu.
Oseltamivir is a common choice for both age groups, including infants, and is the preferred treatment during pregnancy and for children. Peramivir and baloxavir are also approved for kids, depending on their age.
The main restriction is for zanamivir, which should be avoided by anyone with asthma or chronic lung disease. Patients who are severely immunosuppressed should also avoid baloxavir. A CityMD provider can help you figure out the safest and most effective option for you or your child.
Can antivirals prevent the flu after exposure?
While the flu vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent influenza, antiviral medications can sometimes be used to lower your risk of getting sick after you've been in close contact with someone who has the flu. This strategy, known as prophylaxis, is usually reserved for people at high risk who can't get the vaccine or for whom the vaccine might not work as well.
Oseltamivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir are all approved for preventive use. These medications could be a good option after a household exposure, especially for patients with underlying health conditions.
Why visit CityMD for flu symptoms and antiviral treatment
When flu symptoms hit, getting care fast is what matters most. CityMD urgent care offers walk-in flu testing, prompt evaluation, and antiviral prescriptions when they’re needed—helping you get treatment within that critical 48-hour window.
With over 180 convenient locations and the option to Book a Visit online, CityMD makes it easy to get the flu care you need, quickly. For ongoing support, our care partner, Summit Health, provides primary care, pediatrics, and long-term follow-up all season long.
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.