For mild illness in people who are not at high-risk (not immunosuppressed, elderly, no chronic heart, lung or kidney conditions) - 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, in particular among high-risk groups, several antiviral medications are available which may shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 1 day. These medications include amantadine or rimantadine (active against influenza A only); oseltamivir and zanamivir (active against influenza A and B). As each of these medicines has different side effects and affects different viruses, your physician will determine which one is best for you.

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. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is the best choice for children. It is available in a liquid formulation and may be easier to give to the child than zanamivir (Relenza) which is not licensed for children less than 12 years old and needs to be given by via inhaler. Treatment will only help if started early and only if the illness is actually influenza, it will not help treat a "regular cold."

In most individuals who are otherwise healthy, influenza fully resolves within 7 to 10 days. Among individuals in high-risk groups (elderly, immunosuppressed, chronic heart, lung or kidney conditions) influenza may be quite severe and can lead to complications listed below.

• secondary bacterial infection
• pneumonia
• encephalitis (infection of the brain)

Call your health-care provider if you develop symptoms of influenza. While many infections have similar symptoms, if you belong to a high-risk group, you should be evaluated for influenza and your physician will assess whether you should be on antiviral medications.