A few medications and procedures to treat the flu

There are medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that can help you feel better and actually cut the duration of the flu. Consider the following medications and procedures:

To benefit from the latest flu-fighting drugs, call your doctor for a prescription at the first sign of symptoms. Two new antiviral drugs — oseltamivir (Tamiflu), taken orally, and zanamivir (Relenza), a nasal spray — have been proven to reduce the duration of the flu by two days, but only if you start them within the first 36 hours of symptoms appearing. They work against Type A and B flu strains. Tamiflu has been approved by Health Canada for treatment of uncomplicated flu in adults. Relenza is approved for treatment for those age 12 and older. Just be aware that these medicines are expensive, and may not be covered by insurance. Other medications treat specific symptoms:

• If you have a stuffy nose,your best OTC option is a decongestant containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
• If you have a cough, try cough suppressants that containdextromethorphan (Robitussin Children’s, Benylin DM) to relieve a dry cough.
• If you have a fever, headache or muscle aches, turn to over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen. Products containing aspirin are best avoided.
• If you have a sore throat, pick up a throat spray containing phenol (such as Vicks Chloraseptic). This will soothe your aching throat quickly, if only temporarily.

If you want to avoid contracting the flu, get the influenza vaccine.

• An annual flu shot will prevent infection in over 70 percent of healthy adults. The best time for the shot is between October and mid-November each year, to give your immune system one to two weeks to build immunity to the virus.
•  It’s important that you be vaccinated if you're in one of the following categories: adults age 50 and older, especially those in nursing homes; pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimester during flu season; people with HIV or depressed immunity; those with chronic heart, kidney or lung disease; and people with diabetes or blood disorders such as anemia.
• Don't delay. Sometimes there is not enough flu vaccine to go around, so get it early.

Getting a flu shot can definitely reduce your chances of getting sick during flu season. If you do get sick, take action as soon as symptoms start:  the sooner you start fighting the flu, the sooner you will get better.