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Antiviral medications against the influenza virus, such as neuraminidase inhibitors, are most effective when administered within the first 48 hours of infection because this is when the virus is actively replicating and causing the most damage. After this period, the viral load typically peaks, and the immune response begins to control the infection, making it harder for antivirals to alter the disease course. Additionally, the antiviral drugs are designed to inhibit viral replication, and once the immune system is engaged, the body’s natural defenses become the primary means of combating the infection. Consequently, delaying treatment reduces the likelihood of significant therapeutic benefit.

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2w ago

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What do you think would happen if a doctor prescribe an antibiotic for a patient surffering from influenza?

It won't do anything to help or hurt the influenza, but it can treat or prevent a secondary bacterial infection if the doctor diagnoses, or anticipates, the development of a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are only effective on bacteria. Antiviral medications, like Tamiflu, are for treating influenza.


What are the symptoms and treatment options for a B strain influenza infection?

Symptoms of a B strain influenza infection include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Treatment options may include antiviral medications, rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.


Is radiation an antiviral?

Radiation therapy can be used to kill cancer cells, but it is not typically used as an antiviral treatment. Antiviral medications, such as those used to treat diseases like herpes, HIV, or influenza, are specifically designed to target and inhibit the replication of viruses.


Do antiviral drugs prevent Swine Flu?

Antiviral drugs can be used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses.They must be prescribed by a health care professional.They work against influenza viruses -- but will not help treat or prevent symptoms caused by infection from other viruses that can cause symptoms similar to the flu.The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.Recommendations for using antiviral drugs for treatment or prevention of swine influenza will change as we learn more about this new virus.


Should you get a flu shot if you are taking Acyclovir?

Maybe, depending on which type of flu vaccine you will be taking. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that can be used for influenza treatment, but is also used for other types of viral infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "It is not known whether administering influenza antiviral medications affects the safety or efficacy of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV); LAIV should not be administered until 48 hours following cessation of influenza antiviral therapy, and influenza antiviral medications should not be administered for 2 weeks following receipt of LAIV." For additional information about this and about contraindications in other situations, please see the CDC Guide to Contraindications for Vaccines at the link provided in the related links section of this page.


Why does doctors still prescribe antibiotics for a flu infection?

You cannot. Antibiotics are only for treating or preventing bacterial infections. Since the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics have no effect and have been shown time and again to make no difference on the duration or severity of a viral infection (Influenza is a virus). There are antiviral medications but usually the best therapy is time.


Can rhionvirus be cured by antibiotics?

No, because it is virus and viruses can`t be cured by antibiotics. Antibiotics are useful for curing bacterial infection.----------------------------------Antibiotics, by definition, can only kill bacteria. They are completely ineffective against viruses. However, they may prevent secondary bacterial infections that can occur as a result of severe infections, or certain susceptibilities of the patient.There are no current antiviral medications for treatment of the rhinovirus (common cold) other than cough medicines and other supportive/comfort medications. It is generally encouraged to be treated with rest, isolation, and supportive/comfort measures when appropriate.There are also no vaccines for the rhinovirus.The flu virus (influenza) has vaccines available. These vaccines are strain specific, and thus must be administered annually for the anticipated prevalent strains.There are also antiviral medications available for the influenza virus which must be administered early in the course of the disease for maximum effectiveness.


Which type of influenza is the worst?

Influenza A is generally considered the worst type due to its ability to cause more severe illness, pandemics, and higher transmission rates compared to Influenza B and C. Influenza A viruses have more genetic variability, allowing them to rapidly evolve and potentially develop resistance to antiviral medications.


Influenza is what one localized infection or bacterial infection or systemic infection?

Influenza, is a bacterial infection.


How is influenza cured?

Influenza is typically treated with antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like fever and cough are also recommended.


What medicine stops viruses from reproducing?

Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir or oseltamivir, work by disrupting the ability of viruses to reproduce in the body. They target specific steps in the viral replication process, preventing the virus from multiplying and spreading. These medications are commonly used to treat viral infections like herpes, influenza, and HIV.


Is an influenza like a flu?

They are the same thing. Influenza is the full name of the viral infection and flu is a shortening of the word influenza.