Tamiflu
(Oseltamivir) is an oral antiviral treatment (not a vaccine)
for influenza, and belongs to a class of drugs called neuraminidase
inhibitors (NAI). It prevents the virus from spreading inside
the body and works well against all strains.
Roche,
the manufacturer of Tamiflu since 1996, acquired the worldwide
rights to develop and market the drug from Gilead Sciences,
Foster City, California.
Comes
in the Strength Of
Tamiflu
can be used both for prevention and treatment of influenza.
An oral medication, it is a convenient 75mg capsule which
affects all key sites in the body where the virus multiplies.
The dose for the adult treatment of influenza is a 75mg
capsule, taken twice daily for five days. A pack of Tamiflu
contains a full treatment course of 10 capsules.
Treatment
must commence within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms for
full efficacy. For post exposure prophylaxis the dosage
is one 75mg capsule daily for up to 6 weeks.
Tamiflu
is proven to be effective in adults and in children one
year and older.
What
is an Influenza Virus?
Influenza
is a disease caused by a member of the Orthomyxoviridae.
Many features are common with those of the Paramyxovirus
infections of the respiratory tract. Influenza, commonly
called - the 'flu'- is a serious disease caused by influenza
A and B viruses, which usually occurs seasonally in the
autumn and winter months. According to the WHO 3-5 million
cases of seasonal influenza occur every year.
The
influenza virus is classified into three categories: A,
B, and C. Type A is the most serious and usually appears
every two or three years. Prone to mutation, it regularly
produces nonresistant strains; has caused many epidemics;
and is also responsible for pandemics, in which entire continents
are affected.
Type
B influenza virus is the strain responsible for smaller
infection outbreaks. Once infected with this virus, the
immune system successfully resists this type of virus for
many years. This type commonly infects uninfected children
aged between 5-14 years.
Type
C influenza virus is a very mild strain of the infection,
similar to symptoms of a common cold. This can be treated
with bed rest and plenty of fluid intake.
How
to Treat Influenza Virus
The
flu targets your respiratory system (nose, lungs, throat
and bronchial tubes). During the flu, a patient exhibits
some or all of the following symptoms.
Loss
of appetite
Fever
Congestion
that turns to a runny nose
Sore
throat
Cough
that turns productive
Exhaustion
and weakness
Muscle
aches and pains
It
is possible to treat the flu using medication as well as
make a rapid recovery using various means like:
Keeping
your fluid intake to the optimum Flu sufferers lose
a lot of fluids from having high fevers. Drink plenty
of water. Orange juice is good for its vitamin C content,
too, and sports drinks like Gatorade help replenish electrolytes.
Proper
sleep Adequate rest also helps in recovery.
Taking
a healthy diet Even though you don't feel like eating,
nutrition is an important part of recovery.
Minimal
exertion It is better to stay in bed and recuperate
through relaxation..
Keeping
the fever in check Young children often suffer higher
fever during the flu.
Toddlers
should be attended to by a pediatrician in the event of
a high fever that lasts for a day and for adults a doctor
should be consulted when the fever exceeds 103 degrees or
lasts longer than two days and is accompanied by significant
fatigue or any kind of pain. The elderly and those with
diabetes, a weakened immune system, cardiovascular disease,
pregnancy beyond the first trimester, lung disease or asthma
should call their doctor when flu symptoms arrive.
When
administered according to its approved dosage (75 mg twice
daily for 5 days), Tamiflu delivers a 38 per cent reduction
in the severity of symptoms, a 67 per cent reduction in
secondary complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and
sinusitis in otherwise healthy individuals and a 37 per
cent reduction in the duration of influenza illness. This
data were derived from seasonal outbreaks of influenza.
Side
Effects of Tamiflu
Possible
Tamiflu side effects, although not common, include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bronchitis
Stomach
pain
Dizziness
Headache
More
serious side effects have also sometimes been reported.
According to the FDA, there have been reports (mostly from
Japan) of patients causing self-injury or experiencing delirium
(confusion, hallucinations, speech problems) while using
Tamiflu.
Webmaster
associated with online clinic "EuroClinix.net" this site
provides various information on Tamiflu and helps people
in curing Influenza, resources are available on site EuroClinix.net.
