Influenza treatments - 2025 edition
January 28, 2025 10:59 AM Subscribe
I'm recovering from a bout of Influenza (A type). I hadn't had the flu for 10 years, and was surprised (not actually surprised) to learn that medical technology has improved.
What did I miss?
* We now have Rapid Antigen Tests that can detect Flu -- I diagnosed myself with a 3-in one test which detects Flu A, Flu B, and COVID
* My most intractable symptom was profound sinus burning with enormous quantities of snot, which made sleeping quite difficult. I tried using some old Flonase, but read that steroids are not a great idea (besides, it didn't work at all). Discovered there is a new (to me) nasal spray which is an antihistamine and worked wonders: AstePro
* I didn't self-diagnose until 72 hours, so didn't consider antivirals, but apparently there are a few to choose from. What should I ask for next time?
My questions: Re: antivirals, any good/bad experiences? Would a PCP prescribe these for a 50-something year old in good health? Are there other influenza-related tests or treatments you recommend? You can assume USA with health insurance, but answers from other countries are appreciated too.
* We now have Rapid Antigen Tests that can detect Flu -- I diagnosed myself with a 3-in one test which detects Flu A, Flu B, and COVID
* My most intractable symptom was profound sinus burning with enormous quantities of snot, which made sleeping quite difficult. I tried using some old Flonase, but read that steroids are not a great idea (besides, it didn't work at all). Discovered there is a new (to me) nasal spray which is an antihistamine and worked wonders: AstePro
* I didn't self-diagnose until 72 hours, so didn't consider antivirals, but apparently there are a few to choose from. What should I ask for next time?
My questions: Re: antivirals, any good/bad experiences? Would a PCP prescribe these for a 50-something year old in good health? Are there other influenza-related tests or treatments you recommend? You can assume USA with health insurance, but answers from other countries are appreciated too.
baloxavir marboxil (trade name Xofluza®) is many times more effective than Tamiflu. You can hear a discussion of this on the latest Clinical Update with Dr. Daniel Griffin This Week in Virology podcast https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-1186/
posted by drossdragon at 11:18 AM on January 28 [5 favorites]
posted by drossdragon at 11:18 AM on January 28 [5 favorites]
my son who has a history of hospitalization for respiratory issues, is currently recovering from A type flu. we got into his ped quickly and he was prescribed the generic for Tamiflu and an inhaler. He was markedly better the next day. we're on day 4 and he's normal with the exception of some minor, occasional coughing.
This is nothing short of a miracle for us.
posted by Dr. Twist at 11:21 AM on January 28 [2 favorites]
This is nothing short of a miracle for us.
posted by Dr. Twist at 11:21 AM on January 28 [2 favorites]
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posted by xedrik at 11:03 AM on January 28 [6 favorites]