What is the first treatment tried for influenza?

Influenza can cause fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and marked tiredness. Treatment starts with rest, regular fluids and measures to ease fever or pain when suitable for you. A clinician considers how long symptoms have been present, their severity, your age, pregnancy status and other health conditions. Antiviral treatment may be considered early for people at higher risk of complications or with more severe illness; it is not the right choice for everyone.

Stay home while you feel unwell, limit close contact, and wash your hands often. Sip fluids regularly, choose light meals if tolerated, and follow the label or professional advice for any fever or pain medicine. Do not combine products that contain the same ingredient. A GP Consultation can help confirm the likely cause and review treatment, while a Telemedicine Consultation may be suitable when an in-person examination is not needed. See the Influenza guide for broader symptom and recovery information.

Arrange prompt medical advice if symptoms are worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or you have a long-term condition that may make influenza harder to manage. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, new confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, or signs of serious dehydration. Children, older adults and pregnant people may need a lower threshold for assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit influenza, whether antiviral treatment could help in your situation, which medicines are safe with your existing prescriptions, and what changes should prompt reassessment.