Treatment of Influenza A and B

For patients with influenza A and B, treatment is based on symptomatic treatment, antiviral therapy, and supportive therapy. Patients identified with influenza need to be isolated to prevent the possibility of infection of other people. Early administration of oseltamivir is an effective antiviral treatment and is more effective when administered within 48 hours of the onset of the disease. For patients with fever, nasal congestion, cough and sputum, symptomatic treatment can be given to relieve the symptoms, and commonly used antipyretic drugs include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. For patients with low to moderate fever, physical cooling can be used. If the patient has nasal congestion, ephedrine nasal drops can be used as appropriate for symptomatic treatment. If the patient is seriously ill, even with severe pneumonia, respiratory support techniques may be considered for symptomatic management. Patients need to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and increase their nutritional support throughout the duration of their illness.