For Influenza Antibiotics do not cure influenza. Antiviral drugs can shorten the course of illness when given during the first two days of symptoms. If you have influenza, your physician will discuss whether you should be treated with antiviral drugs. Inhaler medications may be prescribed for those with wheezing to open the bronchial tubes. Flu shots do not prevent most common respiratory illnesses since they are usually caused by other viruses.
Flu shots can prevent infection with influenza or reduce symptoms even if infection occurs.
As with bronchitis, several medicines can help reduce the symptoms of influenza. These include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for muscle aches and to reduce fever, cough medicines, and antihistamines or decongestants for a runny nose and congestion. In children, influenza usually follows a course similar to that for adults. However, it can appear as a simple upper respiratory illness or just a fever with few respiratory signs. In young infants, influenza can produce severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia.