Introduction 

People suffering from the flu can benefit greatly from IV therapy. In this article, we will show you how IV therapy may be effective for the flu and some of the possible side effects you may likely encounter when using IV therapy. 

Is IV therapy effective against the flu?

Yes, research has confirmed the effectiveness of IV therapy in fighting off influenza virus infections. However, its success rate varies depending on factors such as overall health, symptom severity and what exactly is in the solution being administered – so there are no guarantees! Nonetheless, when people suffer from bad colds or flu which haven’t responded to over the counter medicines or antibiotics they can swallow, there’s often relief at hand from an IV drip. This delivers fluids and essential nutrients directly into a vein, bypassing the gut, where oral intake can be a problem if someone has serious underlying medical conditions.

Although such treatment won’t actually cure you of your influenza, it may help by speeding up rehydration and easing things like muscle pains or headaches. Indeed, while there is no proof IV therapy does anything special for viral illnesses over and above what good nursing care provides (plus antiviral drugs where indicated), some patients with severe symptoms or complications do seem to benefit.

Benefits of IV therapy for the flu?

Some of the benefits of IV therapy for flu include but are not limited to the following;

• Quick Hydration: IV therapy puts fluids straight into your bloodstream. This means you get hydrated fast—an important step in dealing with flu symptoms such as fever, sweating, and dehydration.
• Nutrients Galore: When you’re sick, your body may run low on essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes (nutrients). IV therapy can fix that! By providing these nutrients directly to your body, it helps boost your immune system and aids recovery.
• Fast Symptom Relief: IV therapy can also deliver medications quickly to help ease flu symptoms like body aches, nausea, tiredness, and fever. These meds work faster via IV than when taken by mouth.
• Maximum Absorption: Because IV fluids and nutrients skip your digestive system, your body absorbs them better. This makes IV therapy a good option for people with tummy problems—or those who can’t handle food or drink.
• Energy Boost: IV therapy might perk you up and make you feel happier and healthier while you have flu symptoms. That’s because it gives you energy.
• Immune System Support: Fighting off the flu bug is tough work. IV therapy backs up your immune system by providing nutrients and fluids your body needs to attack the virus. It might even help you get over being ill more quickly!
• Tailor-made Treatment: Everyone is different. Healthcare providers can change IV therapy treatments depending on how serious your symptoms are or what you prefer. They can alter the fluid balance (make you drier or wetter), add more electrolytes, and so on.
• Speedy Recovery: IV therapy treats dehydration, lack of nutrients, and flu symptoms at the same time. So you might feel better quicker and be able to get back to normal activities sooner.
• Generally Good Tolerance: Most folks put up with IV therapy just fine. It works well for them too. This effective treatment is useful when flu stops you from eating or drinking—as you still need to take onboard nutrients somehow!

Side effects of IV therapy for flu

Side effects of IV therapy are typically minimal but can include:

• Discomfort at the Injection Site:  Infection at the injection site or along the vein where the IV catheter is placed.   
• Allergic Reactions 
• Fluid Overload  
• Electrolyte Imbalance
• Inflammation of the vein (Phlebitis)
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
• Bruising or Hematoma
• Rare Complications

Frequently asked questions 

Who can benefit from IV

Therapy for the flu?

IV therapy for the flu may benefit individuals experiencing severe symptoms, dehydration, or complications from the flu, such as pneumonia or respiratory distress, as well as those unable to tolerate oral intake due to nausea or difficulty swallowing.

What fluids and nutrients are typically included in IV therapy for the flu?

IV therapy for the flu may include fluids such as saline or lactated Ringer’s solution, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, B vitamins), minerals, and medications tailored to individual needs.

Is IV therapy safe for flu treatment?

IV therapy for the flu is generally safe when administered by qualified healthcare professionals. However, like any medical intervention, it carries some risks, such as infection, allergic reactions, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalances.

Can children receive IV therapy for the flu?

Yes, children with severe flu symptoms or dehydration may receive IV therapy under the supervision of pediatric healthcare professionals. Dosage and treatment duration will be adjusted based on the child’s age, weight, and medical condition.

Are there any dietary restrictions before IV therapy for the flu?

In most cases, there are no specific dietary restrictions before receiving IV therapy for the flu. However, it’s essential to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding fasting or avoiding certain foods or beverages.

What should I expect during an IV therapy session for the flu?

During an IV therapy session for the flu, a healthcare provider will insert an IV catheter into a vein in your arm, administer the IV solution, monitor your vital signs, and adjust the treatment as needed based on your response.

How soon will I feel better after receiving IV therapy for the flu?

The time it takes to feel better after IV therapy for the flu varies depending on factors such as the severity of symptoms, individual response to treatment, and overall health status. Many people experience rapid relief of symptoms within hours of receiving IV therapy.

Sources

Will IV therapy work for cold and flu relief? https://infusionassociates.com/will-iv-therapy-help-with-cold-and-flu-relief/#:~:text=IV%20therapy%20for%20cold%20and,of%20your%20cold%20or%20flu. Accessed 2/16/2024.

Kohno, S., Kida, H., Mizuguchi, M., Hirotsu, N., Ishida, T., Kadota, J., Shimada, J., & Group, C. S. (2011). Intravenous Peramivir for Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infection in High-Risk Patients. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 55(6), 2803-2812. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.01718-10

Alchikh, M., Obermeier, P. E., Schweiger, B., & Rath, B. A. (2022). Successful Treatment of Complicated Influenza A(H3N2) Virus Infection and Rhabdomyolysis with Compassionate Use of IV Zanamivir. Pharmaceuticals, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16010085

Wang, J., Chen, H., Zhuo, L., Guo, Y., Wang, X., Chen, L., & Zheng, F. (2023). Effectiveness of intravenous peramivir for the treatment of influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B/Victoria in hospitalized children. Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy, 29(9), 843-848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiac.2023.05.004

Alame MM, Massaad E and Zaraket H (2016) Peramivir: A Novel Intravenous Neuraminidase Inhibitor for Treatment of Acute Influenza Infections. Front. Microbiol. 7:450. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00450