At times, these anti-viral medications will be prescribed within 48 hours of getting the flu, in the hope of decreasing the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Effective against both major strains of the flu, influenza A and B, the medication is inhaled through the mouth as a powder spray. A similar medicine in pill form is expected to be approved soon. The one drawback to the medications is that they have to be taken within the first day or two of the onset of symptoms to be effective. Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics will not cure colds and flu.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, which are very different from viruses.
In fact, researchers now caution that taking antibiotics when no bacterial infection is present, can do more harm than good, by reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics if they are later needed to treat a bacterial infection. Prevention remains the best way to avoid colds and flu. References American Academy of Family Physicians Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.