Supportive treatment for H1N1 (2009) appears to be the same as for all influenza viruses and includes drinking plenty of fluids, extended bed rest, and use of acetaminophen to treat aches and fever. 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus also responds to two antiviral drugs, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). These drugs do not prevent or cure flu, but if taken within 48 hours of the start of symptoms, they reduce the severity and duration of the disease. In late April 2009, the United States government released stockpiled supplies of these antiviral drugs to combat 2009 H1N1 flu. Initial tests show that 2009 H1N1 is resistant to two other antiviral drugs, amantadine (Symmetrel, Symadine) and rimantadine (Flumandine), making these drugs ineffective. Antibiotics also are ineffective against all viruses, including H1N1, but can be used to treat bacterial complications of influenza, such as pneumonia.
Reference:
H1N1 (swine) flu. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Detroit: Gale, 2011. Word Count: 2903.
