Medication is available if you have come down with the swine flu. First, the swine flu must be diagnosed. This is performed with a nasal swab. Once a positive diagnosis has been made, medication can be prescribed. These medications are antivirals and will shorten the duration and lessen the severity of the swine flu.
Tamiflu, Relenza
There are two antiviral medications that the Center for Disease Control has shown to be effective in reducing the severity and duration of the swine flu. These medications are Tamiflu, the brand name for oseltamivir, and Relenza, the brand name for zanamivir. Both of these medications must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of the swine flu symptoms in order to be effective. Therefore, it is imperative that you see your doctor as soon as possible to be properly diagnosed and treated.
Seasonal flu medication won’t help
There are other antiviral medications on the market that are frequently used to treat the seasonal flu. However, these other antiviral medications have not been shown to be effective in treating the swine flu. A doctor must be seen for both the vaccine and the antiviral medication. Your doctor will be able to work with you to determine the best course of action to keep you healthy throughout flu season this year.
No instant recoveries yet
No instantaneous cures for either the swine flu or other strains currently exist. However, in some regions of Mexico and the U.S., patients treated with the antivirus drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) experienced relief from symptoms and eventual a cure of the illness. Another similar drug, zanamivir (Relenza) has been used to inhibit the virus and diminish the severity of the ailment.
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