The onset of the flu: what to do immediately and how to understand that it is a virus

The flu is developing rapidly, and the first hours of illness decide a lot. How to act at the first symptoms, how antiviral drugs help and why self—medication can be dangerous - in the Izvestia article.

What to do at the first flu symptoms

When the first signs appear — a sharp rise in temperature, muscle aches, severe weakness — it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately. The doctor may order an examination, a test for the flu virus and assess the need for antiviral therapy.

Before the visit, it is important to ensure bed rest, plenty of water (water, unsweetened tea), avoid contact with people at risk and do not self-medicate.

How do antiviral drugs work?

Antiviral drugs for influenza work by suppressing the ability of the virus to multiply and exit infected cells. (For example, neuraminidase inhibitors block an enzyme that allows a new virus to leave a cell and infect others.

According to the data, they can shorten the duration of the disease by about one day and reduce the risk of complications, especially if they are started in the first one or two days after the onset of symptoms.

Why Flu Self-medication can be Dangerous

Self-treatment of influenza often means using inappropriate medications (for example, antibiotics for a viral infection), late access to a doctor, and lack of timely therapy.

This increases the risk of developing severe complications: pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and hospitalization. In addition, without a diagnosis, it is impossible to know for sure whether it is an influenza virus or another infection — therefore, the choice of treatment may be wrong.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.