For mild
illness in people who are not at high-risk, - the treatment of
influenza is frequently just supportive and includes
bed rest, analgesics (pain killers) for
muscle aches and pains, and increased intake of fluids. If influenza is diagnosed within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, especially in high-risk groups (immunosuppressed, elderly, chronic heart,
lung or kidney conditions) antiviral medications are available, which may shorten the duration of symptoms. Treatment is usually not necessary for children, but if the illness is diagnosed early and the patient is at risk of progression to more severe disease, it can be started.
It is very important to drink a lot of liquids like water, juice, and other fluids. Having enough fluids also helps the mucus in the sinuses and lungs to stay thin and easy to clear from the body.
Over the counter fever-lowering medicines like paracetamol are recommended to lower fever. Some doctors feel that because fever is part of the immune system's reaction to infecti