Treatment Plan

Use of antivirals

Viral illnesses are not treated with antibiotics. Instead, therapy is intended to treat symptoms while the body's own immune defenses work at eradicating the virus. However, there are instances when antiviral agents are used:

• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Antiretroviral therapy is given to suppress the replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), even if there are no symptoms. The goal of treatment is to lower the concentration of virus (viral load) as much as possible in addition to treating any of the secondary, opportunistic infections.
• Influenza. Antiviral therapy is given to high-risk individuals during a flu outbreak. People 65 or older or those with chronic medical conditions are at risk for developing complications of the flu, such as a bacterial pneumonia, and may be given antiviral medication over a two-week period from the start of the outbreak as a preventative measure. If started within 48 hours of symptom onset, antivirals can shorten the duration and degree of severity of influenza. Four antivirals are currently approved for this indication. However, the CDC recommended that amantadine and rimantidine not be used either for the prevention or treatment during the 2006-2007 flu season. The influenza viruses circulating in the population became highly resistant to the two antivirals. Until viruses are susceptible again, these antivirals should not be used.

Treating symptoms

General symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches):

• Anti-fever medication may be used according to the dosage schedules. However, do not use an anti-fever medication for a child younger than 3 months without first talking to your doctor. Infants ages 12 weeks or less who develop a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher usually need to go to the emergency room for an immediate medical evaluation. Aspirin should not be used in children and teenagers because of the dangers of Reye's syndrome.

Colds and flu:

• Humidify the room to keep nasal secretions moist.
• Use salt-water nose drops in infants to help keep nasal mucus thin. These nose drops are available in the pharmacy. This is especially recommended before feeding an infant so that the infant can breathe through the nose during a feeding.
• If the mucus is thick, drink more fluids. A syringe can be used to remove nasal mucus from an infant.

To treat cough

A number of cough suppressants containing DM (dextromethorphan) are available. Dosages may vary. These medicines may not be used for everyone. It is not advisable to use over the counter cough or cold remedies for children 6 or under unless upon the advice of the child's treating physician.

Consult your doctor to discuss these medications.

More on Viral Infections

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.