When is it safe to return to normal activities after coming down with the flu? “A general rule of thumb is to stay away from work or school until fevers have resolved for at least 24 hours,” says Dr. Pritish Tosh, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic.
While recovering from the flu, Dr. Tosh says, “Most people, including most children over age 12 months and most healthy adults, will do just fine by staying at home, but also taking care of themselves, with plenty of fluid and plenty of rest.”
Watch: Dr. Pritish Tosh explains antivirals
Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites are in the downloads.
Young children and older adults are especially at risk of complications from the virus. Dr. Tosh says prescription antivirals may help. “There are classes of medications called antivirals that are effective in stopping viruses such as influenza from continuing to replicate and infect other cells,” says Dr. Tosh. “When people get these antiviral medications for influenza, they can often feel better, but more importantly, when we give them to people who are at high risk of complications, you reduce the risk of complications, including hospitalization and death.”
Antivirals are not the same as antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections. Seasonal flu vaccines remain the best defense against influenza.
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
