There are four different medications which is used in the treatment of influenza especially. They include
• Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
• Symmetrel (amantadine)
• Flumadine (rimantadine)
• Relenza (zanamivir)

All these four medications are available only through prescription. They help in prevention as well as treatment of the influenza disease. In prevention mode, the drugs are to be taken a minimum of two weeks before the onset of the flu outbreak or flu season in the community. In treatment mode, the drugs help in lowering the flu symptoms significantly and also the duration matters.

Flu shot or vaccine is the nest known preventive measure against influenza, but there are also some drugs which can do the same job at times. The first three drugs namely Tamiflu, Symmetrel and Flumadine can be used from the age of just one year, meaning that even children can take it.

It is strongly recommended for the people infected with flu to consult a healthcare provider for treatment as soon as possible. It is essential for the patients to get treated within 48 hours subsequent to the beginning of flu. The drugs used in the treatment of flu helps in reducing the time that flu symptoms last and returning faster to daily routine. The main drugs used in the treatment are Tamilflu, Relenza, Flumadine and Symmetrel. Their benefits are given as follows