Flu Treatment
What to do if you get sick with the flu:
Protect others.
Avoid close contact with other people in your home. If you need to leave your home or be in contact with others, wear a mask.
Get tested.
Don’t ignore symptoms - ask to get tested for flu. Flu symptoms can look like many other illnesses and testing is the only way to know for certain. Knowing which virus is making you sick allows your healthcare provider to give you the best treatment
Take antiviral medications if prescribed.
Antiviral medications help prevent the risk of flu complications - including hospitalization and death.
Nick was a healthy, active father who was hospitalized for 28 days in a medically-induced coma as a result of his flu illness. He still experiences lifelong medical complications.
Antiviral treatment is expected to lessen fever and symptoms and shorten the time you are sick. They also may reduce the risk of complications such as ear infections in children, respiratory complications requiring antibiotics, and hospitalization in adults.
LESSEN
Symptoms
REDUCE
Duration
REDUCE
Risk of Death
Bryerlee became hypoxic due to flu, which restricted her body from getting oxygen to her brain, liver and other organs.
Know when to seek medical attention.
Most people with flu will recover without complications. However, if you are in a high risk group or are very sick or worried about your condition, seek medical attention.
While everyone is susceptible to flu, it is especially dangerous for the following groups:
- Children, especially those under 5
- Seniors, adults 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant Women
- People with Certain Health Conditions
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Page last reviewed: February 2022.