Severe symptoms usually last 3 to 7 days, however, cough and fatigue may persist for several weeks. The influenza virus is spread through secretions from the nose and throat of currently ill people. The period of communicability is probably limited to the first 3 days of illness and the incubation period is 24-72 hours. Good handwashing before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands can help to decrease the chance of acquiring influenza. Influenza is caused by a virus.
Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms.
There are two antiviral drugs, amantadine and rimantadine, that can help shorten the course of illness caused by Influenza A when taken in the first 24-36 hours of symptoms. This dose can be repeated safely every 4 hours, not to exceed 12 tablets per day. For adults, two aspirin every 4 hours is effective in reducing fever and providing relief of headache and muscle aches. Recommended adult dose is 200 mg. Do not over dress.