What should you know about swine influenza treatments?

Treatment depends on symptom severity, how long the illness has been present, age, pregnancy, and other health conditions. Antiviral medicine may be considered for people at higher risk or those who are significantly unwell; a clinician decides whether it is suitable and explains how to take it.

Antibiotics do not treat the influenza virus. They may be used only when a clinician finds evidence of a bacterial complication. Pneumonia is one complication that can require different treatment and closer monitoring.

Rest, sip fluids often, and choose light meals as tolerated. Follow instructions for any fever or pain medicine, and check combination cold remedies so you do not duplicate an ingredient. Keep your room comfortable, avoid smoking, and reduce contact with others while you are infectious.

If you have fever, cough, chills, fatigue, or headache, note whether each symptom is improving or worsening. Call a clinician promptly if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or live with a heart, lung, kidney, or other long-term condition.

Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, persistent chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue-grey lips, or inability to stay awake. Seek prompt review for dehydration, a worsening cough, symptoms that return after improvement, or fever that remains concerning despite home care.

Ask whether antiviral treatment is indicated, which symptom medicines are safe with your existing prescriptions, how to reduce household spread, and what follow-up is needed if breathing or energy declines.