Expect the flu to last about five days, which is the time it
takes your body to produce the antibodies that finally beat the
infection. You will be protected from that strain of influenza
for the rest of the season. Some people continue to feel ill and
cough for more than two weeks. In some cases, the flu can make
health conditions such as asthma or diabetes worse or lead to
complications such as bacterial pneumonia. Adults older than 65
and people with chronic health conditions have the greatest risk
for complications from the flu, the CDC says. Antiviral
medications are also recommended to treat the flu--amantadine,
rimantadine, zanamivir and oseltamivir--but must be taken within
the first two days of illness to be effective, the CDC says.
They can reduce the length of time flu symptoms are present.
These medications usually are used in hospitals, nursing homes
and other institutions where people are at high risk for
complications of the flu. Some side effects may result from
taking these medications, such