Treatment

Those suffering from the flu should stay at home, drink lots of fluids, rest and eat a nutritious diet.

Over-the-counter medication can help with headache, muscle aches and fever such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol©) or ibuprofen (for example, Advil©).

Take antiviral medication, if prescribed by your doctor. Not everyone will be given antivirals because it is only recommended for people with severe illness, people who require hospitalization and people who are at high risk of complications.

IMPORTANT:

  • If you have asthma, follow the advice in your asthma action plan. If you have COPD, follow the advice in your COPD action plan. You may have to take extra medicine to control your symptoms. If it is hard to breathe or your rescue medicine is not working, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

  • Children and teenagers younger than 18 years of age who have chicken pox, cold or flu symptoms should not be given ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) products (for example, Aspirin®) before a doctor or pharmacist is consulted. Reye’s Syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal illness is reported to be associated with ASA when used to treat chicken pox, cold or flu symptoms in children. If you’re not sure what to take, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of the flu but are unclear about what to do, call your healthcare provider or 8-1-1.

Page Last Updated: 30/01/2021