Tamiflu – Is This the Answer to our Flu Problems?

In the olden days, if one had a cold or the flu, good old chicken soup and a little TLC from our moms usually ended the troubles. As the years passed, the flu has become more than just a passing sickness. It evolved into something that requires immediate medical attention if left untreated for more than a day or two.

Medical experts have created many different types of medicines that help us combat flu. This year, the world was devastated by a flu unlike others called AH1N1, or swine flu, a strain of virus that caused death to some who were infected with it.

Oseltamivir, or more commonly called Tamiflu, is the prescribed medicine used by doctors to combat the pandemic caused by the AH1N1 virus. So what is Tamiflu? Is this the answer to our flu problems?

Tamiflu is a drug developed by Gilead Sciences laboratories and marketed by Hoffman-La Roche. It is prescribed as a treatment for flu symptoms like stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, aches, fevers/chills, and tiredness. This also helps the person with the flu recover quicker. Those who have been exposed to someone with flu can also take this.

Tamiflu has become controversial because some believe that other flu virus strains may become resistant to flu medications. However, many parents report that giving Tamiflu to their children reduces the length of the symptoms, as well asthma complications.

Tamiflu is also a preventive medicine. People who have taken Tamiflu beforehand and are exposed to someone with flu don’t get it. However, reports state that some children that took Tamiflu experienced delirium and even caused self-injury.

Tamiflu is also used as a medicine for swine flu. However, experts state that patients should consult with a qualified doctor before taking the pill.