The kind of influenza treatment that is required depends on the kind of flu that you have contracted. Influenza is caused by the influenza virus but the virus itself has been classified as type A, B or C. Type A is further divided into sub types depending on the specific strain of H and N types. Currently, there are 12 known H types and 9 known N types that can form various combinations.

There is actually no treatment for influenza and regular seasonal influenza can only be treated with proper home care. Self care involves taking a lot of rest and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. It is not uncommon for health care professionals to recommend bed rest for a few days and advice drinking a glassful of water or juice every hour. A warm relaxing bath and warm compresses are also suggested. Nasal strips and humidifiers can be used to relieve the congestion in the respiratory tract. Even though the condition is self limiting, complications can arise if the symptoms are not controlled. Flu medicines like acetaminophen are common to relieve symptoms of headache and muscle pain. Other flu medicines include medicines like Tamiflu, Flumadine and Symmetrel. These medicines work by prohibiting the virus from replicating and therefore can prevent complications.

Bird flu treatment involves medicines like oseltamivir (or Tamiflu) and zanamivir (or Relenza). These medicines can curb the spread and replication of the virus and therefore ensure that the symptoms do not become severe or unmanageable. However, this bird flu treatment is effective only if the bird flu is detected within 48 hours of manifestation of the symptoms. There have been antiviral drugs like the M2 inhibitors that have been used to treat bird flu. However, it is believed that H5N1 bird flu virus develops resistance to these drugs fairly quickly. Medical professionals also recommend some antibiotics along with other medicines because this virus attack makes the body susceptible to other bacterial infection.

Since the swine flu is also a human virus, it spreads quickly from an infected person to another extremely easily. Similar to regular seasonal influenza, swine flu treatment involves a lot of rest and a constant supply of fluids in the body. Aggressive exercise should be completely avoided as should consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Swine flu treatment for mild cases does not require any medication. Management of fever and body pains can be done by taking over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen. Tamiflu and Relenza have been known to reduce symptoms of swine flu from aggravating.

While there are some flu medicines that healthcare professionals may recommend and prescribe for treatment of different kinds of flu viruses, it is important to note that the best influenza treatment is protection and relevant and appropriate vaccination for the flu strain.

Learn more about Influenza Vaccine and Side Effects.