The flu epidemic has been all over the news since November, and, unfortunately, it's not over yet! As of the first week of January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that influenza is still widespread in most states, including Pennsylvania. With over 42,000 students returning to University Park this week, chances are some of you may have either had the flu over the break or were exposed to someone who had it.

Much has already been said regarding the benefits of the flu vaccine and the importance of frequent hand washing. But it bears repeating: if you have had the flu vaccine, you have some protection. If you have not been immunized, you are much more vulnerable, especially this year.

What if the "cat's already out of the bag," and you come down with the flu? The answer may surprise you. Although the flu is a viral illness, which means antibiotics will not be helpful, there are actually several antiviral medications available that are effective against the influenza virus.

The FDA has approved four medications for the treatment of the flu:

Amantidine and rimantidine, commonly called Symmetrel and Flumadine, respectively, are both effective against Influenza A.

Zanamivir and oseltamivir, or Relenza and Tamiflu, both of which are much more expensive, are effective against Influenza A and B.

So which medication should be prescribed for you? It depends on the type of influenza in the community, the medication's side effects, the cost and the benefit to you.

This year, 99.4 percent of all flu tests performed by World Health Organization labs have been positive for Influenza A. Type B has only been found in 0.6 percent of cases. This suggests that any one of the four medications should be effective.

Amantadine, the oldest of the medications and the least expensive, is associated with the most side effects, such as upset stomach, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, nervousness and insomnia. These are less frequent and less severe with the other three medications. Zanamivir, which is actually an inhaled medication, is not recommended for people with asthma since it has been known to trigger bronchospasms.

Rimantidine has fewer side effects but is twice as expensive. Oseltamivir and zanamivir also have fewer adverse effects, but they are by far the most expensive medications; a five-day course is about twice as expensive as the rimantidine.

Studies have shown that if any one of the medications is started within 48 hours of the onset of illness (when you first notice your symptoms) it will reduce the length of illness by one day and reduce the severity of the symptoms and frequency of complications. It may not sound like much, but if you have the flu, even one less hour of those high fevers, body aches and wracking cough is a blessing!

The bottom line is there is medication available for the flu, but it must be started within two days. It should make you feel better sooner, but comes at a cost -- in dollars and possible side effects.