This year's influenza virus has been dubbed the "super flu" for how quickly it's spreading -- and how hard it's hitting.
In fact, infections have broken records in New York, with 71,123 positive flu cases documented the week ending on Dec. 20 -- the highest single-week total since tracking began in 2004.
The CDC reports 4.6 million cases across the US so far, with hospitalizations up as well. But if you do end up sick, there are things you can do about it.
First and foremost, doctors urge anyone with flu symptoms -- which include such fresh hell as fever, fatigue, body aches, chills, runny or congested nose, vomiting, diarrhea and sore throat -- to stay home so as not to infect others.
You'll also want to rest as much as possible and load on fluids, giving your body what it needs for your immune system to fight the infection.
But if you'd like some pharmaceutical help, get in there fast: All of the following antiviral drugs are most effective when started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
The CDC recommends expedited flu treatment for patients who are at an increased risk of serious complications, including pregnant women and those with asthma and chronic lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease.
The most common flu medication in the US, Tamiflu, is used to treat symptoms in people as young as 2 weeks old and prophylactically in people 1 year and older.
Administered as a liquid or capsule, Tamiflu is typically taken once daily for 10 days as a preventive measure after exposure.
As a flu treatment, it is taken twice daily for five days.
Without insurance, Tamiflu costs about $50.
Common side effects of Tamiflu include nausea and vomiting. Less common but seriously concerning side effects of Tamiflu include hallucinations and psychosis.
Tamiflu is considered safe to treat the flu in pregnant women.
A one-dose pill approved for people 5 years and older, Xofluza is an increasingly popular alternative to Tamiflu.
Used to treat and prevent the flu, Xofluza can cost upwards of $200 without insurance.
Xofluza can start fighting the flu virus within four hours of taking the pill. Improvement is gradual, with studies suggesting patients reported mild or no flu symptoms within two days of taking their dose.
Studies also show that Xofluza may help the flu-afflicted feel better, on average, eight hours faster than Tamiflu.
Side effects of Xofluza include vomiting and diarrhea.
While fewer patients experience vomiting with Xofluza than with Tamiflu, 5% of people reported diarrhea with Xofluza, compared with 0% with Tamiflu.
The primary difference between Tamiflu and Xofluza is that Xofluza can stop viral shedding in 1 day, whereas Tamiflu requires 3 days. This accelerated pace means less exposure to flu within the household and a shorter flu run, approximately 5 days of misery rather than 7.
Xofluza is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those with progressive illnesses.
Approved for patients 6 months and older, Rapivab is a prescription medication administered as a single intravenous infusion.
Rapivab comes with a steep price, up to $1,000 without insurance.
The most common side effect of Rapivab is diarrhea.
Relenza, inhaled as a powder twice a day for 5 days, is used to treat flu symptoms in people seven and older and to prevent the flu in those five and older.
Without insurance, Relenza can cost up to $90, and possible side effects include allergic reaction, dizziness, or nose irritation.
Relenza is not recommended for patients with asthma or other breathing problems.
For those facing the flu with or without a prescription, experts recommend drinking plenty of fluids, resting up, and managing fever, headaches, and muscle aches with over-the-counter medicines.
If you experience shortness of breath or your symptoms worsen after 3 or 4 days, seek medical attention.