Flu Antivirals Explained: Cutting Through the Misinformation

With flu activity surging across the country, so is the flood of misinformation—especially online—about antiviral medications.

Viral TikToks are blaming Tamiflu for frightening side effects, homeopathic influencers are promoting so-called “Tamiflu tea,” and posts warning parents to never give their kids antivirals are getting thousands of likes.

To cut through the noise, we spoke with Dr. Jess Steier, a public health scientist and founder of Unbiased Science, who translates complex medical evidence into clear, practical guidance. She’s also a parent navigating flu season in real time.

What Flu Antivirals Do—and How They Differ From Vaccines

Dr. Steier explained the difference between prevention and treatment in everyday terms:

“Starting with the vaccine, vaccine is all about prevention, right? The vaccine trains our immune system to recognize the virus before we’re ever exposed. Antivirals are treatments.””So, that’s what we use when we’re already sick, and they work by stopping the virus from replicating in our body. And this shortens how long we’re sick, reduces the severity, and for high-risk people it does a really good job of lowering the chance of hospitalization or death.”

She offered a simple analogy:

“Think of the vaccine as your seatbelt and antivirals as the airbag.”

Common Myths About Flu Medications

One viral myth claims that brewing teas like star anise can replace antivirals such as Tamiflu or Xofluza. Dr. Steier debunks this:

“There’s a little nugget of truth—Tamiflu was originally derived from Shikimic acid, which is found in star anise. But ultimately, what’s in Tamiflu is very, very different from what’s in the tea. Brewing tea is not the same as taking a pharmaceutical with a precise, tested dose.”

She also addressed fears about hallucinations and seizures:

“It’s true that there have been very rare reports of some neuropsychiatric effects. However, flu itself causes delirium, especially in young kids with high fevers. Oftentimes people are conflating the drug’s effect with the flu, which is likely what’s causing those outcomes.”

Why Early Treatment Matters

Antivirals are most effective when taken early:

“These drugs work by blocking viral replication. Early in infection is when the virus is multiplying really, really fast. That’s the window where we have the opportunity to really slow it down.”

Even after the first 48 hours of symptoms, there may still be benefit for high-risk patients:

“For people who are hospitalized or high risk, it is still clinical guidance to treat beyond 48 hours because some benefit is better than none when the stakes are very high.”

Practical Steps for Getting Treatment Quickly

Dr. Steier recommends rapid testing and acting fast, especially for high-risk groups:

“Get tested. Many pharmacies offer test-to-treat programs—you get a rapid test and if it’s positive, they can prescribe antivirals on the spot. If you are high risk—over 65, very young children, pregnant, immunocompromised, or with conditions like asthma or diabetes—you do not want to wait.”

She added that otherwise healthy adults may focus on symptom management rather than antivirals:

“Flu antivirals do come with some side effects. For those where the risk of hospitalization and death is lower, focus on rest, fluids, and treating fever if you’re absolutely miserable. Tamiflu, for example, can cause nausea and GI upset, which might not be worth it for lower-risk people.”

Warning Signs That Require Urgent Care

For children, Dr. Steier says urgent care is warranted if you see:

Difficulty breathing or ribs pulling in with each breath

Bluish lips or skin

Severe irritability or trouble waking

Not drinking fluids

Fever with a rash

For adults, seek immediate care if you have:

Shortness of breath or chest pain

Confusion or inability to keep fluids down

Symptoms that improve but return worse with fever and cough

“That last one could signal a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia and is absolutely an ER situation,” she warns.

Barriers to Early Treatment

Access remains a major challenge during this severe flu season:

“You need a test, a clinician to prescribe antivirals, and a pharmacy with stock. During a surge, all three can break down. Test-to-treat programs and telehealth have been super helpful because they collapse those steps.”

She encourages individuals to plan ahead:

“Find out which pharmacies near you offer test-to-treat. If you’re high risk, talk to your doctor now about a plan if you get the flu.”

Choosing the Right Antiviral

Two main oral antivirals are widely used: Tamiflu and the newer Xofluza.

“Xofluza is one pill, with less GI upset, and might clear viral shedding faster. But it’s pricier—around $200 out-of-pocket—and availability is spotty. Some groups, like pregnant or severely immunocompromised patients, may not be recommended for it. This is a conversation to have with your healthcare provider.”

Layered Protection: Beyond Antivirals

Dr. Steier emphasizes a multi-layered approach:

“We have to really lean into the Swiss cheese model of public health. Vaccines, antivirals, masking, ventilation, and testing are all tools we can use. Even if the vaccine isn’t a perfect match this season, it’s still highly effective at keeping us out of the hospital and preventing death.”

She notes the importance of ventilation even in winter:

“Opening windows, even though it’s chilly, helps prevent respiratory disease transmission.”

Key Takeaways for Flu Season

“Get the flu shot if you haven’t already. It’s not too late. Use antivirals if you get sick, especially if high risk. Masking, testing, ventilation—these are all important. This season is brutal, but using all the tools we have helps protect ourselves and our families.”

Dr. Steier, a parent herself, says her family is taking precautions:

“We’re knocking on wood—no flu or COVID in our household yet—but we’re taking good care.”

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about the best treatment for you and your family.

Image: Flu antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that can be used to treat flu illness. (Centers for Disease Control)