Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. It primarily affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms of the flu typically include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sometimes, gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Influenza viruses are categorized into several types, with influenza A and B being the most common causes of seasonal flu epidemics. Influenza A is known for its potential to cause pandemics due to its ability to undergo significant changes, while influenza B generally causes less severe illness and is more stable.
The flu spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, but it can also be spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
Vaccination is a key preventive measure, as it helps protect against the most common strains of the virus circulating in a given flu season. Good hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, also help reduce the spread of influenza.
Treatment for Influenza
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses and typically resolves on its own with rest and supportive care. However, there are treatments and preventive measures that can help manage the symptoms and reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Here’s an overview of the current options for managing influenza:
1. Antiviral Medications
- Medications: Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), can be used to treat influenza. These medications work by inhibiting the virus’s ability to replicate, thus reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
- Timing: For antiviral medications to be most effective, they should be started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. They can still be beneficial if started later, especially for individuals at high risk of complications.
- Eligibility: Antiviral treatment is typically recommended for:
- Individuals with severe or complicated flu
- Those at high risk of complications (e.g., young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions)
- People who are very ill or hospitalized due to influenza
2. Supportive Care
- Rest: Getting plenty of rest helps the body fight the infection and recover more quickly.
- Hydration: Drinking fluids is essential to prevent dehydration, especially if there is fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever, aches, and pains. Decongestants and cough suppressants may also alleviate some symptoms.
- Home Remedies: Warm fluids like soups and herbal teas, along with honey and lemon, can soothe a sore throat and provide comfort.
3. Preventive Measures
- Vaccination: The most effective way to prevent influenza is through vaccination. Annual flu vaccines are designed to protect against the most common strains of influenza virus circulating each season.
- Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizers, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can help reduce the spread of the virus.
- Isolation: Staying home and avoiding contact with others while sick helps prevent the spread of the flu to others.
4. When to Seek Medical Attention
- Severe Symptoms: Seek medical care if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, persistent high fever, or if symptoms worsen.
- High-Risk Groups: If you are in a high-risk category and suspect you have the flu, or if you have underlying health conditions, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
5. Long-Term Prevention
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep supports a strong immune system, which can help in preventing infections.
Summary:
There is no “cure” for influenza in the sense of an immediate fix, but antiviral medications, supportive care, and preventive measures can effectively manage the symptoms, reduce the duration of the illness, and prevent complications. Vaccination remains the cornerstone of flu prevention. If you experience severe symptoms or belong to a high-risk group, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.
Meet the team at NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates

Dr. Aditya N Dubey, M.D, F.C.C.P. – Founder
Specialty:
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Dubey

Dr. Petra Thomas, M.D.
Specialty:
Pulmonary Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Thomas

Dr. Arman Murabia, M.D.
Specialty:
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Murabia

Paulos Abebe PA-C
Physician Assistant Learn more about Paulos Abebe PA-C

Rebekah Lee, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner. Learn more about Rebekah Lee

Christine Amorosi, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner. Learn more about Christine Amorosie
Office Locations
Conveniently located near you in Loudoun and Fairfax VA
NOVA Pulmonary – Dulles
24430 Stone Springs Boulevard
Suite 550
Dulles, VA 20166
NOVA Pulmonary – Lansdowne
19415 Deerfield Avenue
Suite 301
Landsdowne, VA 20176
We want our patients to be informed about their Lung or Sleep problems and the treatments available because informed patients make better decisions about their health and well-being. Our leading pulmonologist Dr. Aditya Dubey is committed to providing compassionate care to his patients. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory systems, sleep disorders, and critical illnesses.
Patient comfort is of the utmost importance to our practice. We have technologies in our office that allow patients to do at-home testing for diagnostic purposes and also are conveniently located next to Stone Spring Hospital for in-patient treatment or testing if necessary.