Exploring Alternate Solutions to Combat the Flu
When flu season hits, it can feel like a never-ending cycle of fever, coughing, a congested nose, and a sore throat. While many people turn to a popular prescription medication to alleviate these symptoms and even fend off the flu, it's important to remember that there are other options available.
Unknown to many, there are several alternative flu treatments in the United States. Some of these treatments aren't as widely recognized because they're specifically meant for certain groups. One such treatment is a single-dose pill suitable for people aged 5 and up, which could be a strong alternative to the popular flu medication for some individuals.
Antiviral medications are most effective when taken within two days of the onset of symptoms. This makes quick and easy access to treatment options crucial in managing the flu effectively.
Available Antiviral Medications
For this flu season, health authorities recommend four antiviral drugs. The first one is widely used to treat flu in people aged 2 weeks and older and to minimize the risk of flu in people aged 1 year and older. It's available in liquid or capsule form and is typically taken twice daily for five days when used for flu treatment. When used for prevention after exposure, it's typically taken once daily for 10 days. It costs around $50 or less without insurance, with the most common side effects being nausea and vomiting.
The second option is the aforementioned one-dose pill, suitable for individuals aged 5 and up. It can be used to treat or prevent the flu, and it costs nearly $200 without insurance. However, discounts can be applied to reduce the cost. The most common side effects include diarrhea and vomiting.
A medical professional from Texas mentioned that vomiting is the most common complaint she hears from patients taking the first mentioned medication. A study conducted a few years ago showed that around 18% of people experience vomiting with this medication versus 5% with the one-dose pill. The same study found 5% of people get diarrhea with the one-dose pill, compared with none taking the first medication. She also mentioned that a few of her young patients experienced moodiness with the first medication, which is documented in medical literature.
She stated that the "biggest difference" between the two medications is that the one-dose pill can stop viral shedding in one day, while the first medication might take about three days. This could potentially reduce exposure to the flu within a household, possibly resulting in fewer people getting sick. However, both antivirals can help trim down the duration of flu symptoms by a couple of days.
Other Available Medications
Another prescription medication approved for flu treatment is suitable for individuals aged 6 months and up. It's administered once as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare provider and may cost up to about $1,000 without insurance. The most common side effect in adults is diarrhea.
The last recommended flu medication is inhaled in powder form, typically administered using an inhaler device twice a day for five days. It's approved to treat flu in people aged 7 and older, and for preventive use in people aged 5 and older. It may cost up to about $90 without insurance. Side effects include allergic reactions, dizziness, nose irritation, and it's not recommended for people with breathing problems like asthma.
Emerging Trends in Flu Treatment
Among these treatments, the first mentioned medication is the default choice for most patients. However, the one-dose pill is gaining popularity. Despite this, it may not always be stocked in pharmacies, recommended by healthcare providers, or covered by insurance.
One medical professional stated that the one-dose pill is rising in popularity due to its single-dose regimen, fewer side effects, and increasing insurance coverage. Additionally, manufacturer coupons make it more affordable than in previous years. She prefers it for her patients, but factors such as cost, ability to swallow a pill, and availability can impact the decision.
However, health experts are concerned about the flu virus developing resistance to the one-dose pill. In some cases, this occurs about 10% of the time, which is substantial. This concern, coupled with the side effect of diarrhea, has led to the continued preference for the first mentioned medication, despite its five-day regimen.
Resistance to the one-dose pill appears to be even more frequent in younger children. This emergence of resistance is associated with a longer duration of symptoms. However, transmission of a resistant virus from person to person is very limited and rare.
Medical experts continue to prefer the first mentioned medication for treating hospitalized patients and people with progressive illness. The one-dose pill is not recommended during pregnancy, for outpatients with complicated or progressive illness, severely immunosuppressed people, or hospitalized patients due to the lack of information on its use for these groups.
However, for patients with known or suspected influenza B, the one-dose pill has much greater efficacy compared to the first mentioned medication. Patients tend to prefer the convenience of a single oral dose versus a five-day, twice-daily regimen.
Experts recommend further research into the potential benefits of treating flu patients with a combination of antiviral medications, especially for those with severe disease. More data are needed to support the treatment of severe influenza, particularly combining different antiviral treatments.