What happens if flu is not treated

Influenza Flu. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. Do I need to go to the emergency room? What are the emergency signs? Are there medicines to treat flu? How long should I stay home? Learn More. What are emergency warning signs of flu? Influenza A mutates faster than influenza B, but both viruses are always changing, creating new strains from one flu season to the next. Past flu vaccinations will not prevent infection from a new strain.

Wild birds are the natural hosts for a type A virus, also called avian flu and bird flu. This infection can also spread to other animals and humans. This, combined with the ability of type A influenza to mutate faster than type B, can cause pandemics. Before treating your condition, your doctor will need to check for the influenza virus. The preferred test is the rapid molecular assay.

In this procedure, your doctor swabs your nose or throat. The test will detect influenza viral RNA within 30 minutes or less. In some cases, influenza A symptoms can clear on their own with ample rest and fluid intake.

In other cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to fight the infection. Common antiviral prescriptions include:. These medications, known as neuraminidase inhibitors, reduce the ability of the influenza virus to spread from cell to cell, slowing down the infection process. Though effective, these medications can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms or if your condition worsens, stop using the prescription and visit your doctor immediately.

A new medication called baloxavir marboxil Xofluza , created by a Japanese pharmaceutical company, was approved in October by the U. This antiviral drug helps stop the influenza virus from replicating.

Over-the-counter medication therapy can also ease flu symptoms. Flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. A person can pass it on while talking or through physical contact, such as shaking hands. Influenza A and influenza B cause seasonal epidemics in the United States and elsewhere every winter. Type C usually causes mild respiratory illness. Experts track these strains carefully, as they try to predict how they will change, and how they might affect people.

In this article, we explain the symptoms of flu, the treatment options, how it differs from a cold, and how to prevent the flu. Not everyone with flu will have all of these symptoms. For instance, it is possible to have flu without a fever. The symptoms of influenza typically come on suddenly. Initially, a person with flu may experience :. Why do people sometimes have chills but no fever? Adults with the following symptoms should seek medical help urgently:.

Children often have similar symptoms to adults but can also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Should children have flu medication? Find out more here about Tamiflu and its effects on children. Flu can be dangerous for babies. If symptoms appear, a parent or caregiver should seek medical help. What happens when a baby gets a cold?

If a person has the following symptoms , they may have influenza type A:. Learn more here about influenza A. Learn more here about influenza B. Most people will be able to treat the flu at home. A combination of lifestyle remedies and over-the-counter medication can help relieve symptoms. Pain relief medication can help manage a headache and body pains. A healthcare professional can recommend the best options.

Some painkillers, such as aspirin , are not suitable for children under 16 years of age. Various options are available over the counter or to purchase online. It is important to compare different products and only take them under the advice of a medical professional.

How long does flu last? Find out here. A virus causes flu, so antibiotics will not cure the illness. A doctor will only prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present alongside the flu. However, antiviral medications may help when someone has the flu.

Here are some tips on how to treat a cold or flu at home. Examples include oseltamivir Tamiflu and zanamivir Relenza. People can take the drug by mouth in a single dose.

People can receive this treatment if they are aged 12 years or more and have had symptoms for fewer than 48 hours. Possible side effects include diarrhea and bronchitis. Find out more here. Other things people can try at home include :. Flu Symptoms Influenza flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Know the common symptoms of flu. Emergency Warning Signs of Flu. Cold vs Flu. What is influenza? When is the flu season? What are emergency warning signs of flu sickness? Digital Resources. How to know if you have the flu: Flu symptoms. Do your part to stop the spread of flu at child care facilities and schools. Fighting the Flu.