{"id":631013,"date":"2025-01-10T21:02:53","date_gmt":"2025-01-11T02:02:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631013"},"modified":"2025-01-10T21:02:53","modified_gmt":"2025-01-11T02:02:53","slug":"prednisone-for-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-for-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"Can prednisone help with the flu?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> providers prescribe to treat medical conditions like asthma, allergic reactions, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adrenal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, blood, and bone marrow conditions. \u201cIts primary objective is to diminish the degree of inflammation and activity of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d says Shahinaz Soliman, MD, a board-certified family physician at Shantique Med Spa in Torrance, California.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to medical experts, taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for flu is not helpful, as the steroid medication can affect the body\u2019s ability to fight the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"does-prednisone-help-with-the-flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> help with the flu?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Health Organization<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WHO<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), the flu, or influenza, is a viral, contagious respiratory infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to serious illness and, in some cases, death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The symptoms of flu include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny or stuffy nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle or body aches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue or tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how does prednisone work in the body? \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a synthetic drug that mimics the action of cortisol, a natural hormone in the body, and reduces the inflammatory response and activity of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d Dr. Soliman explains. \u201cWhen stress is present, it does this by blocking pro-inflammatory mediators and dampening the activation of particular immune cells.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Soliman says <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should not be used to treat the flu. \u201cAs influenza is due to viral agents, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> must work actively for the virus,\u201d she explains. \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> acts by dampening the immune response, which could impede recovery from any subsequent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">viral infections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Although it may decelerate inflammation of some symptoms, it could also predispose people to some of the more serious complications of the flu virus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers also advise against the use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the flu. According to a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">systematic review<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of several <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">observational studies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are associated with increased mortality (death) and hospital-acquired infections in influenza, especially when administered in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high doses<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another study found that the immunosuppressive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">effects of corticosteroids, such as prednisone,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are typically not effective for treating respiratory illnesses like influenza or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">community-acquired pneumonia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CAP). However, researchers did find that the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">effects of steroid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications could be beneficial for other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infectious diseases<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like COVID-19 and reduce the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">respiratory failure<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can lead to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acute respiratory distress syndrome<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ARDS), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sepsis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and even death.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ARDS is a life-threatening complication of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">influenza A<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\/H1N1 that can develop when the virus damages your lungs. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sepsis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another serious medical condition that results from your body\u2019s extreme inflammatory reaction to any type of infection. It is one of the most common flu complications that requires hospitalization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The only situation where <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might help treat this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">viral infection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is if someone has <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severe influenza<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">systematic review<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meta-analysis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> revealed that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may improve the damage to lung tissue induced by influenza and decrease the risk of death in animal models. Researchers also found that many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> providers may administer <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anti-inflammatory<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treatment for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adult patients<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">intensive care unit<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ICU<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severe influenza<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-related pneumonia to stop or slow the progression of the respiratory illness and improve clinical outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, despite the benefits of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for treating the flu, Dr. Soliman thinks the risks outweigh the benefits. \u201cWhile it is true that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pulmonary<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> inflammation can be reduced by the use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014which appears to be beneficial in flu symptoms\u2014antiviral immune responses can also be suppressed by the use of the drug, making it less useful in treating the flu,\u201d she explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-fast-does-prednisone-work-for-the-flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How fast does <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> work for the flu?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/monelle-burrus-2381796b\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monelle Burrus, FNP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a nurse practitioner and health expert at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vervehc.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Verve Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Bend, Oregon, says that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically starts working within a few hours of the first dose for flu relief. However, she adds that certain factors can impact how soon the steroid drug works in your body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAge, chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension, and the overall immunity level of the individual can determine the metabolism rate of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and its effects,\u201d she explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Soliman says that if a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider prescribes <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to treat the flu, it would only address the inflammation caused by the virus. \u201cConversely, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anti-inflammatory<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> action does not treat the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">viral infection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on its own, thus leaving the problems with the flu intact but lessening inflammation,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider deems it safe for you to take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to reduce inflammation from influenza, here are best practices for taking this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroid therapy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Take it with food:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201cIt should be taken with food to alleviate the chances of causing an upset stomach,\u201d Dr. Soliman says.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adopt a healthy diet: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to consume a diet high in lean protein and potassium and low in salt. A dietitian or nutritionist can help guide you if needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid NSAIDs and alcohol: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid an upset stomach, avoid mixing non-steroidal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anti-inflammatory<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aids (NSAIDs) and alcoholic beverages.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Take the steroid drug in the morning: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the morning with breakfast. Because <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s00467-018-3929-z\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">imitates a stress hormone called cortisol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it can affect your circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle), so there\u2019s an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased risk<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of insomnia. To avoid this, don\u2019t take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the late afternoon or right before you go to bed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Finish the course of medication: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBe sure to complete the dosing schedule, refraining from abrupt cessation,\u201d Dr. Soliman says. If you need to stop taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider will guide you through the process safely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid potential exposures:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Since <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may weaken your immune system and cause you to get sick more easily, avoid contact with people <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">who<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are sick, wash your hands often, and wear a mask. \u201cStay away from any additional exposure as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> weakens the body\u2018s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and makes it susceptible to other infections,\u201d Dr. Soliman says.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any questions or concerns about taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, please contact your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider directly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"prednisone-dosage-for-the-flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dosage for the flu<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Burrus, there are no specific guidelines on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dosage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the flu, as the steroid has not been approved for managing the flu. Dr. Soliman says your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider can adjust your dosage appropriately if you are prescribed prednisone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"potential-side-effects-and-complications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and complications<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing the potential <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the flu is crucial. \u201cSteroids suppress the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and therefore the body\u2019s ability to fight off illnesses such as the flu,\u201d Burrus says. \u201cThis can lead to other complications and a slow rate of healing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agitation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could also lead to more serious <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steroid psychosis (range of psychiatric symptoms that can occur after prolonged use of steroid medications)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congestive heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes mellitus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bone tissue death<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe or life-threatening allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal perforation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re experiencing severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, please seek immediate medical attention from your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider or call 911.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not typically prescribed to treat <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">viral infections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like the flu, there are some serious <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">risk factors<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> associated with taking this steroid drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt is worth noting that the use of steroids (i.e., <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) in patients with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">viral infections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will alter the immune response to the infection, which may lengthen the course of the infection as well as increase the risk of subsequent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bacterial infections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as pneumonia,\u201d Dr. Soliman says. \u201cFurthermore, they can include psychological changes, elevated blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and gastrointestinal adverse effects more so if they are used for long periods of time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you get your annual flu vaccination, it\u2019s important to understand the effects <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can have on this vaccination. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamapediatrics\/fullarticle\/190142\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high-dose<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can weaken your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making the flu shot less effective. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/preview\/mmwrhtml\/00023141.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">waiting at least three months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after stopping <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before getting a flu vaccine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can ask your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider for further information on the potential risks of taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the flu.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the high risks of taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">influenza virus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, several alternatives to help decrease the effects of flu symptoms may be more effective and safe for your health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSome of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">viral infections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in patients, like flu, for instance, can be helped by acetaminophen (Tylenol, Excedrin) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to lower fever and relieve pain as well,\u201d Dr. Soliman explains. \u201cOften, courses of antivirals, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), are suggested within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing to lessen the impact of the flu. Finally, consideration of inhaled <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroid<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> preparation is reasonable for asthmatic patients and those with other respiratory disorders since it has local action and few <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other examples of antiviral drugs and inhaled <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zanamivir<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peramivir<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baloxavir<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budesonide<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mometasone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please speak with your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider to discuss alternatives to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for treating the flu.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical experts do not recommend the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">use of corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to treat the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">influenza virus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is because <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s mechanism of action can weaken your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making it harder for your body to fight against the virus. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is only prescribed for the virus if the person has a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">critical illness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severe influenza<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that has caused significant lung tissue damage. Several other medications, such as antiviral drugs and inhaled <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are safer and more effective for treating influenza than <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to learn more about <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">influenza virus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, please seek professional medical advice from your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prednisone is a corticosteroid that healthcare providers prescribe to treat medical conditions like asthma, allergic reactions, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and adrenal, blood, and bone marrow conditions. \u201cIts primary objective is to diminish the degree of inflammation and activity of the immune system,\u201d says Shahinaz Soliman, MD, a board-certified family physician at Shantique Med [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137,"featured_media":631014,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[11169],"coauthors":[20975],"class_list":["post-631013","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-cold-flu","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Prednisone for flu: Efficacy and safety<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Prednisone is not recommended for treating the flu but may be used in some rare cases. 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