Can the flu (influenza) resolve on its own without medication?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, my friend felt unwell a couple of days ago and went to the hospital for a checkup, where he was diagnosed with influenza A. He is somewhat resistant to taking medication, believing that "all medicine has some toxicity," and wants to rely on his own strength to get through it. I'm quite worried about whether this approach is advisable. Therefore, I'd like to ask: can influenza A resolve on its own without medication?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Influenza A, also known as Type A flu, can resolve on its own in mild cases, especially in individuals with good physical condition and normal immunity. However, in more severe cases, self-recovery may be difficult.
Influenza A is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the Influenza A virus. Patients with good physical condition and normal immunity may recover within one to two weeks through their own immune system, if the infection causes only mild symptoms such as slight fever, cough, and runny nose. During this period, it is important to ensure adequate rest, drink plenty of warm water to help remove heat and viral metabolites via urination, and consume nutritious foods such as eggs and milk to support recovery.
However, not all patients with Influenza A can recover without medication. If symptoms are severe—for example, persistent high fever, severe cough, or rapid breathing—or if the patient has underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, not receiving medical treatment may worsen the condition and lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or myocarditis.
Once diagnosed with Influenza A, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The physician will assess the patient's specific condition and determine whether drug intervention is necessary. It is crucial not to delay treatment by relying solely on spontaneous recovery.
