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Suggest Treatment For Flu

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Posted on Tue, 20 Jun 2017
Question: What shot can you get to help with getting over the flu.

My friend has the flu now and was given a shot. I was wondering what it could have been. He said they gave it in the butt
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Could be flu shot or anti-influenza drug

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

When flu like symptoms happen, sometimes doctors can give flu shot to prevent flu from happening. This step is taken when doctors are not so sure that it is flu.

If doctors are sure that it is flu then they will give anti-influenza drug. Three major drugs are used - amantadine, rimantadine and oseltamivir. All three are given by oral route. Not given parenterally. Peramivir is approved in USA and is given by intravenous route. Zanamivir is also approved and is given by inhalation or oral route.

In my information, there is no anti-influenza drug that is approved for intramuscular administration. In some occasions, intramuscular peramivir has been tried but is not approved by this route.

Therefore either your friend was given flu shot or some steroid preparation to reduce inflammation or some multivitamin for energy boost.

Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaishalee Punj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3256 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Flu

Brief Answer: Could be flu shot or anti-influenza drug Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. When flu like symptoms happen, sometimes doctors can give flu shot to prevent flu from happening. This step is taken when doctors are not so sure that it is flu. If doctors are sure that it is flu then they will give anti-influenza drug. Three major drugs are used - amantadine, rimantadine and oseltamivir. All three are given by oral route. Not given parenterally. Peramivir is approved in USA and is given by intravenous route. Zanamivir is also approved and is given by inhalation or oral route. In my information, there is no anti-influenza drug that is approved for intramuscular administration. In some occasions, intramuscular peramivir has been tried but is not approved by this route. Therefore either your friend was given flu shot or some steroid preparation to reduce inflammation or some multivitamin for energy boost. Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further. Dr Vaishalee