Early Precautions to Stop Flu Pandemics

Immediate treatment is the only effective way to prevent flu from becoming a pandemic. It has happened in the past, as in the 2009 swine flu pandemic and the 2004 bird flu attack, and it can happen again. Talking of early treatment and there is one drug most doctors trust for prevention and treatment of influenza. Tamiflu oseltamivir, the medicine which was sold in high numbers in the UK during the 2009 flu outbreak, can be the medicine of choice if you want to tackle the virus that caused swine influenza and a few other types of flu. Even better news is that you can buy Tamiflu online from the comfort of your home.

What is Tamiflu? How can it help prevent flu pandemics?

Marketed by Roche, Tamiflu is the trade name for an ingredient known as oseltamivir. It is the active ingredient of the medicine. The FDA approved Tamiflu in 1999. It was a significant event in the history of flu treatment because until then, there were 2 other antiviral medicines – amantadine and rimantadine – for controlling influenza A. But many variants of the flu virus had already become resistant to those two ingredients, which made oseltamivir the preferred choice of many doctors. And its effectiveness was proved beyond doubt when the 2009 flu pandemic broke out.

Tamiflu oseltamivir works in two ways – it protects you from catching flu and it treats flu when you are symptomatic. For prevention, you have to take the medicine as soon as you have a hunch that flu can attack you or if you met an infected person. And for treatment, you have to take Tamiflu within 48 hours from the appearance of flu symptoms. Some of the symptoms of flu can sometimes be confused with that of common cold. So it is very important to accurately recognize flu symptoms for fast and effective treatment. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

high fever

fatigue

headache and body aches

sore throat

dry cough

runny nose

nausea

diarrhea

Flu symptoms are generally more severe than common cold symptoms. Fever is usually very high with flu, accompanied by extreme tiredness and severe aches. You feel completely drained and this situation can last for up to 3 days.

What are the dosing options of Tamiflu?

Tamiflu capsules come in the strength 75mg. The recommended dosage for prevention of flu is 1 capsule twice a day for 5 days. When it comes to influenza treatment for adults, the recommended dosage is 1 capsule each day for 10 days. But always take the dosage as per your doctor’s advice. Taking the medicine without food can increase the risk of an upset tummy, so a light meal is better than no meal.

What are the side effects?

Allergy is the most common side effect of Tamiflu. In case you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other ingredients, do not take the capsule and talk to your doctor immediately. The same goes with women who are pregnant or nursing. People with heart or kidney problems, or with breathing difficulties should talk to their doctors before using the medicine.