Diseases & Conditions

Antiviral medications for winter bugs

You don't have to let your body wage war on its own. Here's when you might need help.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
  • Reviewed by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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An ill woman lies on a couch holding a hand to her forehead, and with a shawl wrapped around her.

Winter viruses are on the way, and among them are the bugs that cause flu and COVID. Both viruses can be treated with antiviral medications. If you haven’t taken antivirals before, you might wonder if it’s necessary to take them if you become infected now, especially if you’ve previously had COVID or flu. The answer depends on the virus and your age, health, and more.

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About the Author

photo of Heidi Godman

Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter

Heidi Godman is the executive editor of the Harvard Health Letter. Before coming to the Health Letter, she was an award-winning television news anchor and medical reporter for 25 years. Heidi was named a journalism fellow … See Full Bio
View all posts by Heidi Godman

About the Reviewer

photo of Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Anthony L. Komaroff is the Steven P. SimcoxPatrick A. Clifford/James H. Higby Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, senior physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and editor in chief of the … See Full Bio
View all posts by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD
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As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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