Although most people can overcome the flu with only rest and fluids, flu treatment is necessary in some situations. It's important for patients to be properly informed about treating the flu so that they avoid complications and recover as quickly as possible. 

Misinformation regarding flu treatments is common. The following are six things you shouldn't assume about flu treatments. 

Flu treatments are unnecessary because the flu goes away on its own.

While many patients will not need any flu treatment, patients can occasionally experience severe cases of the flu or flu complications that can even be life-threatening.

If flu symptoms become particularly severe and don't go away, it's essential to see your doctor so that you can begin flu treatment before your condition worsens. Patients who come down with the flu should see their doctor immediately if they experience difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, or severe vomiting. 

You can always undergo flu treatment from home.

In many cases, patients may be given antiviral medications and may then be able to return home for flu treatment. However, patients sometimes need to be hospitalized or treated in the ICU to overcome a severe flu infection. 

You'll never need flu treatment if you get vaccinated every year.

Unfortunately, getting the flu vaccine can't guarantee that you won't require flu treatment at some point. Flu vaccines aren't effective against every flu strain out there. You might end up requiring flu treatment from your doctor even if you get the flu vaccine every year. 

Only elderly people require flu treatment.

Patients of all ages could find themselves in need of flu treatment. Elderly patients are sometimes more at risk of experiencing a severe case of the flu. Younger patients with certain health conditions that weaken the immune system are also at an increased risk of experiencing flu complications and needing flu treatment. 

Flu treatment involves taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics are not typically prescribed to treat the flu. The flu is a virus rather than a bacteria, so antibiotics don't affect it.

In some cases, antibiotics may be used as part of flu treatment when a patient experiences a bacterial infection that has resulted from the weakening of the patient's immune system as a result of a flu infection. 

Flu treatment is only ever needed during the fall and winter.

Flu is generally seasonal. Flu infections are most common in the fall and winter. However, this does not mean that it's impossible to become infected with the flu and require treatment in the spring or summer. 

Contact a flu care center to learn more.