What is The Treatment for the Flu?

  • Rest: Stay home and in bed to allow your body to recover and to prevent spreading your flu germs to other people. Get lots of sleep.
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Treat the symptoms with over-the-counter medicines: You can take acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol), ibuprofen (for example, Advil), or another fever reducer/painkiller to get relief from headache, fever, and muscle aches. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medicine is right for you.
  • Antiviral medications: In some cases doctors may prescribe antiviral medications for people with the flu. There are pros and cons to this; your doctor will decide whether antivirals are right for you.
  • See your doctor if you are not improving.

Page Last Updated: 04/03/2016