Medications & Antivirals
- What are antivirals and what are their benefits? Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that can be used for prevention or treatment of flu viruses.
- What antivirals can be given to my child?
Influenza Round Table: Antiviral Drugs Many people believe that there is no treatment for a virus and that you have to let it run its course. But when it comes to influenza, there are prescription drugs that can be used for treatment.
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What are Antivirals?
- Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that can be used to treat flu, or to prevent infection with flu viruses. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
- If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. The sooner a sick person is treated with an antiviral, the greater effect it will have on the patient’s recovery.
- Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective.
- There are four influenza antiviral drugs approved for use in the United States (oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine).
Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information (Food and Drug Administration)
Antiviral Medications and Children
If your child gets sick, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make him or her feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu.
- Children older than 1 year old and children with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, might benefit from antiviral medications. Ask the doctor about any special treatment requirements.
- Even if the child is feeling a little better, he or she should continue taking antiviral medication as directed by the doctor.
Mixing Tamiflu® with Sweet Liquids If your doctor prescribes Tamiflu® capsules for your child and your child cannot swallow them, the prescribed capsules may be opened and mixed with a sweet thick liquid. |
Videos and Podcasts
Mixing Tamiflu® with Sweet Liquids If your doctor prescribes Tamiflu® capsules for your child and your child cannot swallow them, the prescribed capsules may be opened and mixed with a sweet thick liquid. | |
Influenza Round Table: Antiviral Drugs Many people believe that there is no treatment for a virus and that you have to let it run its course. But when it comes to influenza, there are prescription drugs that can be used for treatment. |
