Tamiflu is a widely used antiviral medication that has been credited for preventing and slowing the spread of the flu, as well as relieving some of its symptoms. Tamiflu has proved to be effective for the swine flu virus as well. It is taken generally orally. Tamiflu is a trade name for the drug Oseltamivir and is marketed by Hoffmann–La Roche.
How Does Tamiflu Work?
Tamiflu works by slowing the flu virus’s spread from cell to cell in the body by preventing the virus from cutting away from its host cell. This keeps the virus from replicating and attacking other cells.
Will Tamiflu Defeat The Flu Every Time?
Although its track record is second to none when it comes to treating for the flu virus, Tamiflu is not always effective. Some strains show resistance or immunity to its effects. The most common results from Tamiflu will include a slowing or stopping of the symptoms, allowing the body to more easily fight the infection. It has also been shown to affect the flu’s ability to spread from person to person.
When Should Tamiflu Be Applied?
As Tamiflu can be used as a preventative, it is sometimes given out in the event of a local outbreak to help contain the virus, generally to those with weaker immune systems. As only 39 of the 2009 strains of H1N1 have shown any immunities to the drug, Tamiflu will likely be used proactively in some cases. Under normal circumstances, most doctors recommend beginning treatment with Tamiflu within two days of the onset of symptoms, although beginning treatment at any time before symptoms begin to decline can help significantly lessen the effects of the flu.
Possible Reasons To Avoid Tamiflu
Tamiflu may cause some side effects. The most common are vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Considering these are also symptoms of the flu, most will not consider these side effects much of a deterrent. There have been some reports of Tamiflu causing hallucinations and delirium in children and young adults and, though most of the world feels the benefits outweigh any risks, both Japan and South Korea are among a handful of countries whose health administrations have warned against prescribing Tamiflu to young adults and children, except in extreme cases. One study, performed in Japan, showed that children taking the drug are over 50% more likely to show abnormal behavior. However, the definition of abnormal behavior, as was relevant to this study, included such minor behavioral issues as incoherent speech.
See also: Swine Flu Drugs.
