In recent years, a number of prescription drugs have been approved for just such a purpose.
Causes
The flu is because of a family of viruses that affect therespiratory system.
But, there are a few key ways to tell them apart.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
This aggressive immune assault will manifest with symptoms that are usually more severe and/or less characteristic than thecommon cold.
Theincubation phaseis the time following exposure before symptoms first appear.
In the latter part of the incubation phase, subtle symptoms will start to develop.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
These early symptoms are referred to asprodromaland serve as a warning sign of a developing infection.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Diagnosis
The flu can usually bediagnosedby symptoms alone, particularly duringflu season.
This is especially true with the prodromal flu symptoms, during which treatment will often be dispensed presumptively.
Relenza, Tamiflu, and Xofluza are not substitutes for theannual flu vaccine.
A Word From Verywell
The best way to deal with annual flu outbreaks is to avoid infection.
This is because the antiviral drugs work to slow the replication of the flu virus.
This is especially important for people who are at high risk of flu complications.
The influenza virus has an incubation period of one to two days.
Symptoms tend to come on rapidly over the course of a few hours.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu symptoms and complications.
Hoffmann-La Roche.Tamiflu complete product information sheet.
Genentech, Inc.Genentech: Xofluza TM (baloxavir Marboxil) - Information for healthcare providers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Who needs a flu vaccine and when?.
