Are There Antibiotics for the Flu?
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Flu Medications
By Jessica Griesbach, RN, BSN at Network Health
Medically reviewed by Andy Wheaton, director of pharmacy benefits at Network Health
Because the flu affects people differently and can have a disproportionately negative effect on young children, older people, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, preventing an outbreak is an important part of keeping our communities healthy and strong. Typically administered in a shot, the flu vaccine is the expert-recommended way to avoid these potentially lethal flu outbreaks.
But why is it necessary to immunize against the flu rather than treat it once symptoms develop? After all, other illnesses have antibiotics that can fight them off after symptoms manifest. Let’s dig into why vaccines, and not antibiotics, are recommended for the flu.
Why Can’t Antibiotics Kill Viruses?
The first thing to understand about the flu is that it is caused by a virus. This is different than bacteria or fungus.
Antibiotics are medications designed to treat bacterial infections. Since the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not work. The viral nature of the flu means that preventing an outbreak involves working to prevent, rather than react to, the infection. This is best done on an individual level by being vaccinated so that protection is in place before exposure to the virus.
The more complex explanation is that viruses are a completely different structure than bacteria. They have a protective protein coat instead of cell walls. In addition, viruses attack the body differently than bacteria, infiltrating the body’s cell walls instead of attacking from the outside like bacteria do.
Not only will taking antibiotics for the flu not make you feel better, it can also cause harm. Minor to severe side effects can occur when taking antibiotics for a non-bacterial infection. Some of those side effects may include rash, antibiotic-resistant infections (difficult to cure) and a Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, infection (which is hard to treat and characterized by severe diarrhea).
How Do I Treat the Flu?
If you do wind up getting the flu, as many statistically will each flu season, you are not out of options. Your personal doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to help slow the virus’ spread and limit its symptoms. Additionally, antiviral medication can shorten the duration of the flu and prevent serious complications.
Although over-the-counter medications cannot cure the flu, your personal doctor may recommend them to help relieve your symptoms. Be mindful when giving over-the-counter medications to children. Verify the appropriate and correct dosage with your personal doctor or pharmacist prior to administration.
Over-the-Counter Medicines for the Flu
While antivirals are only available via a prescription, these are some over-the-counter medications you can consider to treat flu symptoms.
- Pain relieves like acetaminophen and ibuprofen – Relieve pain from body aches
- Throat lozenges – Sooth sore throats
- Expectorants like Mucinex – Minimize mucus build up
- Cough suppressants like Delsym – Can be used to manage a dry cough
Can I Take Steps to Prevent the Flu?
As with most infections, small steps that are taken to prevent getting the flu only help. The first line of defense against the flu is receiving the annual flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop antibodies and provide maximum protection against the flu virus infection.
Other ways to help prevent yourself from getting the flu include avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes, mouth and nose, and frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
Seasonal ailments like the flu have the potential to make the fall and winter season a tough one. While eliminating the flu entirely seems like a far-away goal, taking small steps like receiving the flu shot, avoiding those who are ill and practicing personal hygiene are great ways to enjoy the season.
For more information on how your health plan can help you get the most out of every season, contact us today.
