What is the recommended treatment for the acute management of influenza?

The recommended treatment for the acute management of influenza focuses primarily on supportive care. Supportive care encompasses measures that help alleviate symptoms, such as rest, increased fluid intake, analgesics for pain or fever, and sometimes cough suppressants. This approach is essential because most cases of influenza in otherwise healthy individuals are self-limiting and resolve without the need for antiviral medications or other medical interventions.

While antiviral medications can shorten the duration of illness and are particularly beneficial in high-risk populations or within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, they are not universally needed for the acute management of all influenza cases. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like influenza and are reserved for secondary bacterial infections that may arise. Corticosteroids are generally not recommended for uncomplicated influenza due to their potential to prolong viral replication and interfere with immune responses. Therefore, supportive care remains the cornerstone of treating most patients with acute influenza.