{"id":635081,"date":"2026-01-21T13:10:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T18:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=635081"},"modified":"2026-02-16T11:28:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T16:28:13","slug":"z-pak-for-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/z-pak-for-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"Z-Pak for flu: Does azithromycin treat influenza?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used for various infections, including some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and bacterial pneumonia. Because it\u2019s a popular prescription for infections, many people may request azithromycin or a Z-Pak when they come down with severe cold or flu-like symptoms. However, antibiotics aren\u2019t always the solution for infections and can cause avoidable side effects, contribute to antibiotic resistance, and delay the right treatment if used when not needed. In this article, learn about azithromycin and Z-Paks, why they don\u2019t work against influenza, and when they might still be used during flu season.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Azithromycin with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAzithromycin  (6 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.93<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-harristeeter.svg\" alt=\"Harris Teeter Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.93<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Azithromycin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h2 id=\"what-is-a-z-pak\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a Z-Pak?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-a-z-pak\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Z-Pak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or Z-Pack is the shortened name for a brand-name course of azithromycin called Zithromax Z-Pak. Zithromax (azithromycin) is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/macrolides\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">macrolide antibiotic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> similar to clarithromycin and erythromycin. These types of antibiotics work by blocking protein synthesis, which stops bacteria from replicating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Z-Paks are usually effective for infections such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pneumonia caused by bacteria <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streptococcus pneumoniae<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haemophilus influenzae<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moraxella catarrhalis <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caught outside of a hospital setting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ear infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strep throat infections caused by <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streptococcus pyogenes<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin infections caused by <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streptococcus pyogenes<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streptococcus agalactiae<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and infections caused by <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haemophilus ducreyi<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mycoplasma genitalium<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Z-Paks aren\u2019t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the flu, which is caused by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/influenza-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">influenza virus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-a-z-pak-treat-the-flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can a Z-Pak treat the flu?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, a Z-Pak doesn\u2019t effectively treat the flu because influenza is caused by a virus, and antibiotics like azithromycin only work against bacterial infections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAntibiotics only work on bacteria, yet patients often think that any infection that presents with a cough, fever, or malaise requires it,\u201d explains <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/injectco.com\/meet-our-team\/kiara\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kiara DeWitt<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, RN, certified neurology nurse at Cook Children\u2019s Medical Center and Head of Clinical Operations at Medical Director Co.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking an antibiotic when it\u2019s not needed won\u2019t help you recover faster, and you may run the risk of getting side effects. \u201cPatients must understand that antibiotics work on bacteria, not viruses, so an antibiotic will not be able to kill a flu, cold, or COVID-19 virus,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/edmond-hakimi-160b5441\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Edmond Hakimi<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, DO, physician and Medical Director at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wellbridge.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wellbridge<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Long Island, New York.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAlso, misusing antibiotics can create bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics, meaning that the antibiotics will no longer kill that certain bacteria, and this is a serious concern for public health,\u201d Dr. Hakimi adds. Healthcare providers are especially careful about not prescribing Z-Paks for infections likely to be viral (not bacterial) because unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antibiotic resistance, leading to the emergence of bacterial strains that are harder to treat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-do-some-people-feel-better-after-a-z-pak\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do some people feel better after a Z-Pak?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s common to hear people say that a Z-Pak helped with their flu, but the explanation is more complicated than the antibiotic curing the viral infection. In laboratory and animal studies, azithromycin has shown some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0753332222000701\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but these effects have not been observed in human studies with the influenza virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several factors may explain why someone with the flu feels better after starting a Z-Pak. First, many viral infections naturally <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/spread\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improve within a few days<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as the immune system can take time to clear the infection. Some people may also have had a secondary bacterial infection (one that occurs after a viral infection) that responds to azithromycin treatment. Azithromycin can also make certain symptoms feel less intense since it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/rmv.2163\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduces inflammation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even if it isn\u2019t treating the flu itself. Although people may have felt better after a Z-Pak, the current evidence doesn\u2019t support using it to treat the flu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhile the patient may feel better temporarily due to the drug\u2019s anti-inflammatory component, the viral load itself would remain untouched. Additionally, it breeds antibiotic resistance, so the next time the patient does have a bona fide bacterial infection, treatment may not work as well,\u201d DeWitt says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-might-someone-be-prescribed-azithromycin-for-flu-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why might someone be prescribed azithromycin for flu symptoms?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although azithromycin doesn\u2019t treat the flu itself, a healthcare professional may prescribe it if they suspect a bacterial infection is developing alongside a viral illness. A prescriber might recommend antibiotics if they see an ambiguous mix of symptoms of viral and bacterial infection, such as prolonged fever lasting more than four days, or the presence of a productive cough with purulent (discolored) sputum, DeWitt says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial infections that can occur during or after an influenza infection include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/pneumonia-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pneumonia<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial sinus infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ear-infection-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ear infections<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/strep-throat-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strep throat<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial bronchitis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our wellness newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Wellness Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinicians also become more cautious when flu symptoms initially improve and then suddenly worsen, a common sign of a secondary bacterial infection. Other red flags include a persistent or returning fever, chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe sore throat, or symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days. Seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms of worsening infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though yellow or green mucus is a common sign of a bacterial infection, it\u2019s not enough to prove that it\u2019s a bacterial infection. Bacterial and viral illnesses are only some of the reasons for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/dont-judge-your-mucus-by-its-color-201602089129\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">discolored mucus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To make an accurate diagnosis, healthcare professionals may perform a physical exam, review your clinical history, or do tests such as a nose or throat swab. \u201cInfluenza can be identified through a rapid antigen test or PCR test (viral RNA identification) within 15 minutes to a few hours,\u201d explains DeWitt. \u201cBacterial infection either requires culture confirmation or a minimum laboratory marker to support the presence of bacteria, such as an elevated white blood cell count or C-reactive protein greater than 10 mg\/L to justify the prescription of an antibiotic,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin is prescribed only when there\u2019s a strong suspicion of a bacterial infection, and it\u2019s not been shown to shorten the duration or reduce the severity of influenza in human clinical trials.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-treats-the-flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What treats the flu?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most flu infections improve without treatment after several days, but supportive care and early treatment with an antiviral medication can make a difference in feeling comfortable. While a Z-Pak likely won\u2019t help, there are several evidence-backed options that can.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"lifestyle-and-home-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle and home care<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some natural lifestyle treatments you can do at home to support your recovery. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rest can help the immune system fight the virus effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking lots of fluids helps prevent dehydration from fever\/sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humidifiers, warm showers, and saline nasal sprays can help with congestion and throat discomfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cViral infections, such as influenza, are self-limiting and resolve by virtue of the immune system clearing the virus in seven to 10 days if given proper rest and hydration,\u201d DeWitt says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"over-the-counter-otc-relief\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over-the-counter (OTC) relief<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC medications can help reduce fever, body aches, and congestion that can come with the flu. Common OTC remedies include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/acetaminophen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-medicine-for-congestion\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decongestants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/sudafed-sinus-congestion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudafed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (pseudoephedrine) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/afrin-original\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Afrin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (oxymetazoline)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-cough-medicine\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough suppressants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/delsym\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delsym<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/robitussin-dm-max-day-night\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Robitussin DM<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because cold and flu products often contain a combination of drugs, it\u2019s best to discuss treatments with your healthcare provider to tailor them to your symptoms. Follow dosing instructions closely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/resources\/cold-and-flu\"><b>Cold &amp; Flu Medicine Coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"prescription-antivirals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription antivirals<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antiviral medications are the only treatments that act directly against the influenza virus. \u201cIf the flu is caught early, antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, rest, hydration, and symptom management can fight off the virus,\u201d Dr. Hakimi says. Examples of antivirals include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tamiflu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tamiflu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (oseltamivir)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/relenza-diskhaler\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relenza<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (zanamivir)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rapivab\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapivab<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (peramivir)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xofluza-40-mg-dose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xofluza<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (baloxavir marboxil)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These medications can shorten the flu and reduce complications, especially for people at higher risk, like older adults with weakened immune systems. These medications work best when taken within 48 hours of flu symptom onset, so getting seen by a healthcare provider early on is key.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"prevention\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prevention<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most effective way to avoid the flu is through preventive measures. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/discounted-free-flu-shots\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flu shot<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help reduce the risk of infection and lower the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. Practice hand hygiene (handwashing and sanitizing), avoid close contact with sick people, and stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading illnesses like the flu.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you have a viral or bacterial infection, SingleCare can help you save on antibiotics like a Z-Pak and flu medications. SingleCare is free to sign up for and use, and can even help you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prescription-savings-card-otc-meds\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">save on over-the-counter products<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/saline-nasal-spray\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saline nasal spray<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a prescription from your healthcare provider. You can save up to 80% on medications with a SingleCare coupon and a valid prescription, and coupons can be used at many major retail pharmacies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-z-paks-do-not-treat-the-flu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Z-paks do not treat the flu<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics like Z-Paks do not treat the influenza virus. Though it can be useful in subsequent bacterial infections, there\u2019s no strong evidence that azithromycin can be helpful in humans with the flu. There are other ways to treat the flu effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In any case, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you have symptoms of an infection. They can clinically evaluate your symptoms and test for the flu with a rapid in-office test. They can recommend the safest and most effective treatment plan based on your symptoms, test results, and health history. \u201cMedicine is most effective when decisions are based on data, not ritual. In the long run, every time a clinician avoids the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics, the efficacy of those same antibiotics is prolonged for patients of the future,\u201d DeWitt says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Azithromycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used for various infections, including some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and bacterial pneumonia. Because it\u2019s a popular prescription for infections, many people may request azithromycin or a Z-Pak when they come down with severe cold or flu-like symptoms. However, antibiotics aren\u2019t always the solution for infections and can cause [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":635082,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[715,11169],"coauthors":[21072],"class_list":["post-635081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-antibiotics","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>Z-Pak for flu: Does azithromycin treat influenza?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Taking a Z-Pak for flu symptoms may do more harm than good. 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