Antibiotics do not work against influenza, because viruses have no cell walls, ribosomes or metabolism for antibiotics to target. They are prescribed only if a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, develops. Using antibiotics for viral infections also increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.Most people with flu are treated by relieving symptoms: rest, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol to lower the fever and ease aches.Antiviral drugs can be given to people at high risk. The main antivirals are neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir. They block the active site of neuraminidase, so new virus particles cannot be released from infected cells and the infection spreads more slowly. They work best if taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting.Control aims to stop the virus spreading:
• Vaccination: a new flu vaccine is made each year against the strains predicted to circulate, because antigenic drift changes the virus antigens. In the UK it is offered free to older people, young children, pregnant women, health workers and people with long-term conditions.
• Hygiene: hand washing, using tissues and cleaning surfaces (catch it, bin it, kill it).
• Isolation: staying at home while ill and limiting visits to hospitals and care homes.
• Surveillance: the World Health Organization monitors flu strains worldwide, including outbreaks in birds and pigs, so vaccines can be updated and new pandemic strains detected early.
• Vaccination: a new flu vaccine is made each year against the strains predicted to circulate, because antigenic drift changes the virus antigens. In the UK it is offered free to older people, young children, pregnant women, health workers and people with long-term conditions.
• Hygiene: hand washing, using tissues and cleaning surfaces (catch it, bin it, kill it).
• Isolation: staying at home while ill and limiting visits to hospitals and care homes.
• Surveillance: the World Health Organization monitors flu strains worldwide, including outbreaks in birds and pigs, so vaccines can be updated and new pandemic strains detected early.