How To Fight The Flu

(CBS)  The flu continues to cause a lot of misery across the country this season. The virus is now widespread in 24 states, and reported in all 50. The Early Show Medical Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay has advice on how to tackle it if you're among the unlucky people getting sick.

The flu hits fast and hard. One minute you're feeling OK, and the next minute you are suffering from a range of pretty severe symptoms.

The flu causes fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, cough, sore throat and headache.

If it's very severe, you can call your doctor if you're concerned. There's a quick test in the doctor's office that can detect flu and see if it's a type A strain or type B. The test only takes about 15 minutes to get a result, and it can help physicians choose the appropriate treatment.

There are four treatments that target the flu virus. Two of them are older still used in some cases, but many doctors prefer the newer ones because there are less side effects. They can help shorten the severity and duration of flu by a day or so if they are administered quickly.

There is an inhaled antiviral medication called Relenza that fights types A and B influenza. It comes in the form of a "diskhaler" that releases medicine as you inhale. It has also been shown to reduce the transmission of the flu between family members.

Another option is Tamiflu, also effective against influenza A and B strains at reducing severity and duration of illness.

These drugs can also reduce complications like sinusitis and bronchitis. But to be effective, they must be taken soon after symptoms develop. It's important to call your doctor within 24 to 48 hours of the first signs of symptoms. But the bottom line is still that there is no magic cure. The flu needs to run its course.

These drugs are not a substitute for a flu shot. The vaccine is still the best protection. And it's not too late to see if you can get one, especially if you're at high risk.

There are other things you can do at home to treat the flu. While you're sick, the best idea is to stay at home, get lots of rest and drink a lot of fluids. Don't smoke, avoid alcohol and use over-the-counter medications for symptoms.

It is important to know that aspirin should not be used in children or teens with flu-like symptoms without consulting your doctor first about the risks. However, there are over-the-counter medications that can help to treat the symptoms of the flu.

If you're worried or if symptoms continue longer than five days, call your doctor for advice. Antibiotics won't do a thing for the flu, but if your flu is severe sometimes a bacterial infection can set in that requires further treatment.