This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Treatment of uncomplicated influenza

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

In most patients influenza is a self-limiting disease. All patients who present with suspected influenza should be given both general advice and advice on symptomatic treatment (1):

  • treatment of fever, myalgias and headache with paracetamol or ibuprofen (aspirin is contraindicated in children aged under 16 years)
  • taking plenty of fluids
  • rest
  • avoiding smoking
  • consider short course of topical decongestants, throat lozenges, saline nose drops (1)

Patients should be advised to stay at home and keep away from people who might be particularly vulnerable to influenza.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that zanamivir and oseltamivir should be used for the treatment of certain at risk groups (see linked item) (2).

Complications require specific management and antibiotics are used for secondary bacterial infections (2).

References:

  1. British Infection Society; British Thoracic Society; Health Protection Agency. Pandemic flu: clinical management of patients with an influenza-like illness during an influenza pandemic. Provisional guidelines from the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society, and Health Protection Agency in collaboration with the Department of Health. Thorax. 2007;62 Suppl 1:1-46.
  2. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2009. Amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir for the treatment of influenza (review of NICE technology appraisal guidance 58)

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.