The flu is a common viral infection that can lead to several days of misery. Fevers, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, and congestion are just some of the symptoms that the influenza virus causes. For most people, bedrest and fluids will allow their immune system to fight off the virus within a week or so. But some cases can be more severe and last longer. Getting intravenous (IV) treatments is an option that can help you recover from the flu faster.
What are IV Treatments?
IV treatments involve injecting fluids and/or medications directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This allows the body to get the fluids and medications quickly without having them pass through the digestive system first. IV treatments are commonly used in hospitals to provide hydration, medications, and nutrients when a patient is too ill to take them by mouth. They can also be administered in outpatient settings like infusion clinics.
Our IV cold and flu treatments are a safe and effective way to deliver essential nutrients such as Vitamins C, zinc, magnesium, and taurine. Vitamin C is essential when you have flu and an IV infusion will help you feel better.
Some of the main advantages of IV treatments for the flu are:
- Rapid absorption and action of the fluids/medications
- Ability to provide larger doses than could be tolerated orally
- Avoidance of nausea/vomiting since the GI tract is bypassed
- Convenience of administration
IV Fluids for Hydration
One of the most common complications of influenza is dehydration. Fevers, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea can all contribute to a loss of fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration can prolong flu misery and make symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps even worse.
Getting intravenous fluids can quickly correct dehydration by replenishing your body’s water and electrolyte levels. This helps relieve those aggravating symptoms. IV fluids also help thin out mucus secretions and loosen congestion.
The types of IV fluids used may include:
- Isotonic saline solution to rehydrate and restore electrolyte balance
- Ringer’s lactate solution to provide key electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride
- Dextrose saline solutions to provide calories and prevent hypoglycemia
If you’re in hospital, your doctor will determine the appropriate fluid type and rate of administration based on your degree of dehydration and kidney function. Rehydrating this way can significantly speed up your recovery.
IV Medications for Symptom Relief
In addition to IV fluids, certain medications can also be given intravenously to help relieve flu symptoms:
- Antiemetics – These are medications used to control nausea and vomiting. Flu nausea can make it difficult to keep down any oral medications or hydrate properly. IV antiemetics like Zofran provide quick relief.
- Pain Relievers – IV non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ketorolac or ibuprofen can quickly treat fever, headaches, and muscle aches associated with the flu.
- Sedatives – Flu discomfort may make it hard to get adequate rest. IV sedatives like the antihistamine Benadryl can help induce sleep.
- Antivirals – For high-risk patients, IV antivirals like peramivir may be used to treat the flu virus directly and reduce complications.
These IV medications get to work right away since they bypass the GI tract and liver. This leads to faster symptom relief compared to taking oral medications.
IV Vitamin Therapy
Vitamin deficiencies are common when you’re sick with the flu, which is why our IV drop treatments are so useful for patients suffering from the flu. IV vitamin therapy can help correct these deficiencies to support your immune system. Key vitamins delivered may include:
- Vitamin C – Potent antioxidant that fights infection
- B Vitamins – Support energy levels and reduce fatigue
- Vitamin D – Boosts immunity and modulates inflammation
- Zinc – Antiviral and immune enhancing effects
High dose IV vitamins can replenish your levels much quicker than taking oral vitamins. This supports your body’s ability to fight off the virus. An IV drip treatment from our clinic is a great way to give your immune system a boost when it’s run down from fighting a bad cold or the flu virus.
Battling the misery of the flu often requires staying on top of hydration and symptoms. However, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue can make this difficult to do orally. Getting intravenous fluids and medications instead can provide rapid relief. IV therapy helps correct dehydration, provides symptom relief, and delivers immune-enhancing vitamins. By bypassing the GI tract and liver, IV treatments can help you recover from the flu faster.
Get in touch with us today and book your IV drip treatment.