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.
posted by soylent00FF00 to Health & Fitness (4 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
Only recommendation I have is making sure you get an updated Flu (and hopefully COVID booster) every year, typically in the fall. They are regularly updated, and if you do happen to catch the bug, will generally quite substantially reduce the impact of symptoms.
posted by xedrik at 11:03 AM on January 28 [6 favorites]


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]


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]




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