Do flu patients need intravenous (IV) therapy?

　　Influenza refers to the flu. Generally speaking, if flu symptoms are severe, or if patients are unable to eat or take medication, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy may be required. If symptoms are mild, IV therapy is usually unnecessary. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to consult a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　If flu symptoms are severe, such as high fever, fatigue, headache, listlessness, significantly decreased appetite, or even nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or if patients are unable to eat or take medication, IV therapy might be required. This approach avoids irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and helps the medication take effect more quickly, thereby promoting recovery.

　　If symptoms are mild—for example, only mild cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, low-grade fever, and fatigue—and there are no other severe complications, IV therapy typically is not needed. In such cases, patients can take antiviral medications as directed by a physician, rest in bed appropriately, follow a light diet, and drink plenty of water to help eliminate waste and toxins from the body, which can relieve symptoms.

　　In daily life, it is important to maintain good indoor air circulation by regularly opening windows for ventilation, thus reducing the concentration of viruses in the air.