What Is the Proper Treatment for Influenza?

President of the Iranian Society of Infectious Disease Specialists: Antibiotics Are Unnecessary—and Dangerous—for Influenza

The President of the Iranian Society of Infectious Disease Specialists emphasized that influenza is a viral disease and that the unnecessary use of antibiotics not only does not help recovery but can also lead to serious and dangerous side effects.

Amitis Ramazani in an interview with Mehr News Agency https://www.mehrnews.com/referred to the rising number of influenza cases and stated that currently more than 35% of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms are infected with influenza, many of whom experience severe symptoms. Most of the prevalent infections at present are viral, with influenza ranking first among them.

Every Infectious Agent Has Its Own Specific Treatment

She explained that the treatment of infectious diseases depends on the type of causative agent:

• viral infections are treated with antiviral drugs
• fungal infections with antifungal medications
• parasitic diseases with antiparasitic agents,
• and bacterial infections with antibiotics antibiotics

Therefore, antibiotics are effective only for bacterial and purulent infections and have no role in treating viral diseases such as influenza, COVID‑19, or the common cold.

A Common Misconception About Antibiotics

Ramazani pointed out a widespread misconception in society, noting that some people believe antibiotics speed up recovery from viral illnesses. This belief is completely false, as antibiotics have no effect on viruses whatsoever.

Why Is This Year’s Influenza More Severe?

The President of the Society of Infectious Disease Specialists explained that this year’s dominant circulating strain is H3N2 whereas in previous years H1N1 was more prevalent. Since H3N2 has not circulated widely in recent years, population immunity against it is low. This has resulted in more severe cases, increased hospitalizations, and even deaths, particularly among children.

What Is the Proper Treatment for Influenza?

He emphasized:

• influenza is a viral disease and antibiotics are not the correct treatment.
• Antiviral medications should ideally be started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset to achieve maximum effectiveness.
• She strongly urged individuals—especially parents—to seek medical attention promptly if children develop severe respiratory symptoms, so that antiviral therapy can be initiated in a timely manner.

When Are Antibiotics Actually Needed?

Ramazani clarified that in rare cases, a secondary bacterial infection may complicate the course of influenza. Examples

• include situations in which a patient develops fever again after initial improvement,
• or experiences symptoms such as yellow or green purulent nasal discharge,
• productive cough with purulent sputum,
• or signs of pneumonia or bronchitis.

Only in such cases, and strictly based on a physician’s diagnosis, is antibiotic therapy necessary.

Dangerous Consequences of Antibiotic Overuse

She warned that unnecessary antibiotic use does not shorten the duration of illness and can cause various adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions, hives, and skin itching. In severe cases, life‑threatening allergic reactions may occur, and in rare instances, extremely serious complications such as severe skin and muscle damage have been reported.