Tamiflu prevents bird flu
- By:norma dsouza
Introduction
Bird flu, a deadly disease centered in Asia, shook up the world, less than a year ago. Has the spread of the avian virus stopped? Have we come out of the fear that gripped us when we saw reports of death and read about the widespread panic in the bird flu-affected countries? The answer is unfortunately an alarming ‘No’! The only ray of hope in curbing the deadly virus to a large extent has been made possible by a miracle antiviral drug called Tamiflu.
What is Tamiflu?
The active ingredient present in Tamiflu is the main source of cure. This active ingredient is known as oseltamivir phosphate. Tamiflu is used for treating adults, adolescents, and pediatric patients (one-year olds and older) with flu symptoms started within a day or a two.
How does Tamiflu help in curbing bird flu?
Tamiflu is used to reduce the chance of getting the flu in people aged 1 year and older who have a higher chance of getting the flu because they spend time with someone who has the flu. Tamiflu can reduce the chance of getting the flu if there is a flu outbreak in the community. The use of Tamiflu to reduce the chance of getting flu has been studied up to 42 days in adults and up to 10 days in children.
Tamiflu is generally well tolerated. It belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. These medications attack the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside your body.
TAMIFLU treats flu at its source by attacking the virus that causes the flu, rather than simply masking symptoms. Each TAMIFLU capsule (grey/light yellow) contains 75 mg of active drug and should be taken by mouth.
TAMIFLU is generally well tolerated. TAMIFLU may cause mild-to-moderate nausea or vomiting in one out of 10 people. Taking TAMIFLU with food may reduce the potential for these side effects. Other less common side effects may include bronchitis, sleeplessness and vertigo.
How would you know if you contract avian influenza or bird flu?
It is perhaps confusing to differentiate when we term our viral infections as common cold or a simple flu. But the idea is to dig a little deeper and be aware when symptoms exist beyond coughing, fever, and sore throat. A cold is only a minor viral infection of the nose and throat, while the flu, on the other hand, is usually more severe, with symptoms that include the sudden onset of high fever and the addition of aches and pains. It must be a top priority for you to talk to your doctor, at the earliest (preferably, within two days of the onset of the flu), when symptoms are severe.
Conclusion
Tamiflu is the only FDA approved cure to bird flu. There are other ways to take care if you contract bird flu-rest, intake of ample liquids, and intake of a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, which may lessen body aches and fever. However, always consult a doctor and do not administer antibiotics of your own wisdom, as antibiotics are helpful in curing bacterial infections, not viral infection.
About the author:
Norma Dsouza is a Health and Fitness Consultant. For more details please visit: www.checkflu.com