The treatment of influenza depends on your main symptoms and is no different from the treatment for other viral respiratory infections. Bed rest is not necessary. Do not take aspirin because it may cause Reye's syndrome. For more information on treating fever, see Fever. Cough or hoarseness Use cough drops.
Sore throat Use hard candy.
Warm chicken broth may also help. Stuffy nose Warm-water or saline nosedrops and nose blowing will open most blocked noses. Contagiousness Spread is rapid because the incubation period is only 24 to 36 hours and the virus is very contagious. You may return to school after the fever is gone and you feel up to it. Influenza Vaccine and Prevention Influenza vaccine gives protection for only 1 or 2 years.