Flu
Which drugs work and which don’t? What natural alternatives are there? Is it a cold or the flue? Do I need antibiotics?
Unlike COVID-19, the flu has a vaccination. Officials are renewing the annual call to encourage healthy individuals to get a flu shot. Even though the flu shot is not a perfect vaccine and offers only 40% to 60% protection from infection, it can provide enormous benefits.
In early September, while picking up a prescription refill at my local pharmacy, I noticed signs all over the store that flu shots were available and could be given without an appointment. Although the weather was still hot outside and flu season seemed many months away, I decided to get…
With flu season just around the corner, the FDA’s approval last week of the first new antiviral flu drug in almost 20 years, Xofluza, made major headlines. Xofluza (baloxavir) can ease symptoms and reduce the time you are sick by just a little over a day. A study found that…
The FDA has approved Xofluza, the first new antiviral flu drug in almost 20 years. Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is taken as a single pill and within 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms. In a clinical trial, Xofluza reduced the duration of the flu by just a little over a day….
A new single-dose flu drug known as baloxavir marboxil has received priority review from the FDA. According to the drug’s manufacturer, Genentech, results from a study found that the pill significantly reduced the duration of flu symptoms by nearly 1 day, lasting only 2.5 days instead of 3.3 days. It…
The FDA is advising consumers to take precautions when considering drugs that claim to prevent, treat or cure the flu because it may be an unapproved medication. This brutal flu season has sparked concerns regarding the possibility of consumers purchasing unapproved or fake flu medications that may be found online…
As if a fierce flu season wasn’t bad enough, a new study has found that the virus can increase your risk of having a heart attack. Researchers from Canada discovered that people are 6 times more likely to have a heart attack just 1 week after being diagnosed with the…
A 6-year-old girl from Northern Texas tried jumping out of a window after taking the popular flu prevention medication Tamiflu. After taking the drug, the girl experienced hallucinations, ran away from school and attempted to jump out of a second-story window. Following the alarming incident, a doctor informed the girl’s…
The FDA has just okayed an IV flu treatment for children as young as 2 years old. In adults, it shortens flu by a few hours. But what are the side effects? With the flu season threatening, the FDA has just approved an IV treatment for the flu for children…
Overview Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, is an antiviral medication used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza). It works by making the symptoms (such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever, aches and pains, and tiredness) less severe. Tamiflu is used to treat influenza in people 2…
Echinacea, vitamin c, zinc tablets, garlic and neti pots are all considered treatments for flu symptoms. But which ones do the best job? When we start to feel sniffly, achy or feverish, it’s tempting to reach for supplements like echinacea and vitamin C, or other home remedies like nasal irrigation,…
