Fend off the flu bug with Tamiflu

Tamiflu is a potent antiviral drug used to prevent the spread of the influenza virus

Tamiflu 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.

Containing Oseltamivir, Tamiflu’s potent antiviral activity comes from its ability to selectively block the viral surface of the enzyme neuraminidase, thereby preventing the release of virus particles from infected cells.

As such, Tamiflu is active against influenza A and B viral neuraminidase, of which to date, no known resistance exists. (The only other neuraminidase inhibitor on the market is Relenza).

Recent major concerns about Bird Flu (H5N1 strain) spreading from the Far East have highlighted the possibility of a pandemic. It should be noted that should a person become infected with Bird Flu, this virus is much more lethal than other forms of the flu virus.

To read an article about the threat of bird-flu and the options for treatment and protection, please click here.

Dosage:
For prevention of influenza the adult dose is 75mg once daily (ideally within 48-hours of possible exposure) for at least 7 days. This may continue for up to 6-weeks during an epidemic. For treatment purposes, the dose is doubled to 75mg twice daily for a minimum of 5 days or for whilst the symptoms persist.