What is the primary treatment recommended for viral infections such as the flu?

The primary treatment recommended for viral infections like the flu focuses on supportive care, which includes rest and hydration. When the body is fighting off a viral infection, adequate rest allows the immune system to work more effectively, while fluid intake helps to prevent dehydration and alleviates symptoms such as fever and body aches.

Over-the-counter medications can provide symptomatic relief, but they do not treat the underlying viral infection. Vaccination is crucial for prevention and can help reduce the severity of the flu if administered before exposure, but it is not a treatment for an already contracted illness. Antibiotics are specifically effective against bacterial infections and have no impact on viruses; therefore, they are not suitable for treating viral illnesses like the flu. This emphasis on rest and fluids represents an understanding of the self-limiting nature of viral infections, where the body typically recovers on its own with the right supportive measures.