Anti-viral medications are used to treat influenza. These medications rarely cure the illness, but can reduce the symptoms and duration of the illness. Antiviral medications should be started within 2 days after symptoms begin.

Anti-viral medications for influenza include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Amantadine (Symmetrel)
• Rimantadine (Flumadine)
• Ribavirin (Virazole)
• Gancyclovir (Cytovene, Vitrasert)