If you’re otherwise fit and healthy, you can manage symptoms of seasonal flu, including swine flu (H1N1), at home. Most people get better without treatment and will recover from flu within a week. However, if you’re concerned about your symptoms or they’re getting worse, contact your GP. They will decide the most appropriate action to take.
Some groups of people have a higher risk of serious illness or complications if they catch flu. See your GP if you’re in a high-risk group and have flu-like symptoms.
Caring for yourself at home
People who have flu-like symptoms but are otherwise fit and healthy should stay at home. Get plenty of rest and use standard paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce your temperature and help relieve your symptoms.
Drink plenty of fluids while you recover. You may need to stay in bed for two or three days after your symptoms peak.
If you’re in a high-risk group, you should also follow your GP’s advice.
Antiviral medicines
Antiviral medicines are sometimes used to treat people with seasonal flu and H1N1 flu (swine flu).
If your GP thinks you have flu, they will decide whether you need treatment with antiviral medicines.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not prescribed to treat flu as they have no effect on viruses.
However, you may be treated with antibiotics if you develop complications of flu. Antibiotics help to fight bacterial infections such as pneumonia. If you develop complications, your GP will decide if you need treatment with antibiotics.
The Health A-Z has more information about treating seasonal flu and treating H1N1 flu (swine flu).
Try to stop your germs spreading
Help to stop the flu virus spreading to other people by:
- using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- putting used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
- washing your hands regularly with soap and water
- cleaning surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
Read the answers to more questions about H1N1 flu (swine flu).
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