01/07/2026
Friendly health reminder from your favorite local Nurse Practitioners🦠 Thank you Emily Haddock for this very thorough informative post.
Viral infections do not require antibiotics. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, so they will not help with Flu A/B, COVID, or stomach viruses and can cause unnecessary side effects.
Right now we are seeing a lot of Flu A in the community, COVID is circulating, and norovirus is also going around. Norovirus commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps and spreads very easily.
A few helpful facts to know
Antibiotics do not shorten viral illnesses
Flu A symptoms often come on suddenly with fever, body aches, headache, and extreme fatigue
COVID can look similar to flu or feel more like a bad cold depending on the person
Norovirus is extremely contagious and spreads quickly, especially in households
Handwashing with soap and water is the best prevention for stomach viruses
Staying hydrated is more important than eating when you are sick
Rest truly helps your immune system recover
A quick note about Tamiflu
Tamiflu does not cure the flu. When started within the first 48 hours, it may shorten symptoms by about one day for some people. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal discomfort. In many otherwise healthy individuals, supportive care alone can be just as effective. Tamiflu can still be important for higher risk patients, so it is always an individualized decision.
Supportive Flu and COVID regimen we often recommend
For symptom relief
Alka Seltzer Cold and Flu for adults and teens 12 and older every 4 hours as needed
Cepacol Extra Strength throat drops for adults and teens as needed for sore throat
Immune support for adults
Vitamin D3 with K2 5000 IU daily
Vitamin C 1000 mg daily or 500 mg twice daily
Zinc 30 mg daily
Elderberry as directed on the bottle
Kids and teens
Teens 12 to 17 may use vitamin D 2000 to 4000 IU, vitamin C 500 to 1000 mg, zinc 20 to 30 mg, and elderberry per label. Alka Seltzer and Cepacol only if used exactly as labeled
Kids 6 to 11 may use vitamin D 1000 to 2000 IU, vitamin C 250 to 500 mg, zinc 10 to 15 mg, and children’s cold and flu medications only
Under 6 focus on fluids, rest, humidifier, and honey for cough if over 1 year old. Supplements only if approved by your pediatrician
Extra things that can really help
Quercetin 250 to 500 mg daily for teens and adults
NAC 600 mg twice daily for teens and adults
Magnesium glycinate 200 to 400 mg at night to help with sleep and muscle relaxation
Warm teas with honey, broth, or plenty of fluids
Humidifier or steamy showers for congestion
For stomach viruses like norovirus, hydration is key. Take small frequent sips and avoid heavy foods until symptoms improve.
Please reach out if fever lasts more than a few days, symptoms worsen after initially improving, you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or signs of dehydration.
As always, please feel free to message through the portal with any concerns or questions.
