Everything You Need To Know About Swine Flu (Part 2)
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicine (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fights the flu by keeping viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).
Should I take Tamiflu as a precaution if I’m not sick yet?
No. “What are you going to do with it, use it when you get a sniffle?” asks Dr. Marc Siegel of New York University Langone Medical Center and author of “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.” Overusing antiviral drugs can help germs become resistant to them.
Tamiflu and Relenza will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other viral infections. These medicines may be used for other purposes.
Your health care provider needs to know if you have any of the following conditions: kidney disease; live in nursing home; lung or breathing disease, like asthma; serious medical condition; an unusual or allergic reaction to zanamivir, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; and breast-feeding.
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