People with chronic lung disease are often given antibiotics the moment flu is diagnosed to prevent the other infections. Aspirin may be used for fever and pain in adults. It is not used in children because it may cause a serious disease called Reye's syndrome. Prevention is the best treatment. A healthy lifestyle, proper diet, not smoking and exercise will all help.
Vaccination is an effective way of avoiding the flu.
Unlike other infectious diseases, the flu virus changes and different varieties occur each year. That means that vaccines need to be changed on a yearly basis. This ensures they are effective against the virus type most likely to affect the community in the coming season. All high risk persons should be vaccinated with a new vaccine each year since yearly vaccination has been found to be effective in preventing severe symptoms. It can be lifesaving in many cases.