A person who is coughing or sneezing should cover his or her nose and mouth with a handkerchief to limit spread of the virus. The flu causes complications that may develop into a more serious disease or become dangerous to some groups, such as elderly people and those with chronic medical conditions. The CDC recommends that travelers have the flu vaccine at least two weeks in advance of planned travel to allow time to develop protective immunity. There are other antiviral drugs available to help prevent viral infection and complications. Consult your physician for more information.
All physicians can provide symptomatic treatment of influenza.
In the last few weeks of 1999, two new therapeutic treatments reducing the ability of the influenza virus to attach itself to uninfected respiratory cells were introduced. While both of these agents are quite new, they are exciting ways to reduce the toxicity of the flu, and provide specific as opposed to non-specific treatment. We regret that we can't answer medical questions via e-mail. This website and all contents copyright MCG Health Care , 2000-2001.