|
You can't be cured of cold or flu (influenza) once you get it. However, getting a flu shot can often prevent the flu. This vaccination is produced after health researchers decide which strains of the flu viruses are most likely to cause the flu in the next season. The protection the vaccine gives only lasts a year because the virus always changes its immune signature. That means the immunity you got last year no longer works. You need to get re-vaccinated each year with the new strains. It's not clear if the new vaccine FluMist®, given by inhaling through the nose, has longer-lasting immunity.
There are medications now available to help prevent Type A influenza. Two antiviral drugs, amantadine (Symmetrel®) and rimantadine (Flumadine ®), are available by prescription. They interfere with the replication cycle of Type A flu virus. However, in the 2005-2006 flu season, more than 90 percent of circulating influenza A strains were resistant to both drugs. These drugs don't work against type B or C flu.
Since it takes almost two weeks for your body to develop antibodies after you get the flu vaccine, some doctors will prescribe these antiviral medications to give added protection to persons at high risk for getting the flu during epidemics. These antiviral medications are prescribed within 48 hours of getting the flu. The flu symptoms may become less severe and last a day less on average.
Zanamivir (Relenza®) is the first of a new class of flu medicines, known as neuraminidase inhibitors. The medication works against both major strains of the flu, A and B. It's inhaled through the mouth as a powder spray because it can induce wheezing. A similar medicine in pill form called Tamiflu® is more frequently used. The one drawback to the medications is that they must be taken within the first day or two of the onset of symptoms to be effective.
Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics won't cure colds and flu. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, which are very different from viruses. In fact, researchers now warn that taking antibiotics when no bacterial infection is present can do more harm than good. It reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics if they're later needed to treat a bacterial infection.
Prevention remains the best way to avoid colds and flu. The most effective ways to prevent cold and flu viruses are to:
- Avoid close contact with infected persons during the contagious period; viruses are most contagious starting 24 hours before symptoms appear and continuing until symptoms are gone)
- Throw away tissues immediately after use
- Stop smoking (smokers get more cold viruses because smoking reduces the body's ability to fight off viruses that invade the nose and throat)
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
Return to the previous page
|
