While a vaccine to prevent influenza has been on the scene since the 1940's, an effective treatment has been a long time coming, and flu victims have had no medications to help them feel better sooner against all strains of influenza. The problem was the changeable nature of the flu virus, which never stayed the same long enough for researchers to target it. Recently, however, advanced computer technology and dogged investigation achieved a breakthrough. Researchers identified a part of the virus that doesn't change, and then, with the aid of computers, designed a molecule to activate it.¹¹⁷

Physicians may prescribe an antiviral medication, either amantadine or rimantadine, which are only effective against Influenze A; or a neuraminidase inhibitor, like Tamiflu® and Relenza®, which are effective against Influenza A+B. Both were approved by the FDA in 1999 for the treatment of influenza.

Be sure to visit your doctor to see if an antiviral medication is right for you.