When do I need to take an antiviral?\u00a0<\/p>\n
The drugs work best when taken within one to two days after symptoms begin, but they can be used after that time frame and still work well, especially if you\u2019re at higher risk of serious flu complications or are hospitalized with severe illness.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe earlier you take them, the better the results,\u201d says Andrew Pekosz, a flu researcher and professor of microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To receive an antiviral prescription, you must have a positive flu test. Sometimes an at-home rapid test is enough, or you can get a test at your pharmacy or doctor\u2019s office, Pekosz says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Check with your pharmacy to see which antiviral options are in stock, he suggests. \u201cThat will make it easier for you to know which one you can go to if you need to fill your prescription quickly \u2014 and the earlier you take the antivirals, the better the outcome.\u201d\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wondering when you can expect relief? According to the CDC, flu antivirals can shorten the time you\u2019re sick by about one day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Are some antivirals better for older adults than others?\u00a0<\/p>\n
All are effective, but baloxavir is the easiest to take, as it\u2019s only one pill on the first day you feel ill, says Pekosz. That said, it does have some limitations.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
For example, it shouldn\u2019t be taken with dairy products, calcium-fortified beverages, laxatives, antacids or certain supplements [containing calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminum, selenium or zinc],\u201d says Dr. Wilbur H. Chen, an infectious disease physician-scientist and professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oseltamivir (oral) is most commonly recommended for older adults because of its proven efficacy, ease of use and longer safety track record, Rouphael notes.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oseltamivir and peramivir are broken down in the kidneys, so people with kidney disease<\/a> may require a smaller dose, Chen says.\u00a0<\/p>\n