Tamiflu is an oral medication that is designed to treat the flu (influenza).
We have all had the flu at some point in our lives. Typical symptoms include chills, a sore throat, fever, muscle pains sneezing, coughing and general discomfort. The flu is sometimes mistaken for the common cold, but it is actually a more severe disease which is caused by a different kind of virus. Tamiflu can slow the spread of this virus in your body.
Tamiflu is a neuraminidase inhibitor drug: in other words it works by stopping the influenza virus from reproducing in your body. Tamiflu slows the rate at which the flu infects cells in your body, and therefore how fast they spread. You have probably heard of Tamiflu because of its role in the recent 2009 swine flu (H1N1) pandemic. During the height of this global pandemic, Tamiflu was widely distributed and promoted. This was partly done to help people who had contracted the swine flu virus return to health, but also to stop the virus from spreading as quickly.
Influenza comes in many strains. In the majority of cases, although flu causes discomfort and can leave you unable to function as you would normally, it will not lead to long term or serious damage. Some strains of influenza can be more serious though. The most notable examples in recent history are swine flu and avian flu. Both of these forms of the flu virus caused illness and death in large numbers of people. Tamiflu was credited with helping to control the spread of swine flu in many countries.
Once you have become infected with the flu, it will spread and replicate its cells in your body. Tamiflu prevents this spread and in doing so, helps to control the symptoms. Tamiflu also makes it easier for your immune system to fight off the flu.
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) was manufactured for adults and children, aged one year or older. It is approved for emergency use in children under the age of one.
Tamiflu is proven to be effective in a wide range of flu sufferers. Nevertheless, there are some people who should avoid taking Tamiflu. People with kidney ailments, heart problems, viral infections, liver disease and lung problems should speak to their doctor before considering taking Tamiflu. Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding may also be unsuitable for Tamiflu.
As with every medication, Tamiflu may cause unwanted side effects. Tamiflu has led to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchitis, abdominal pain, headache and dizziness. These effects are not usually long lasting and will subside quickly if treatment using Tamiflu stops. In general Tamiflu is a well-tolerated medication; side effects are rare.
Tamiflu can be purchased from a pharmacy after you have obtained a prescription from your doctor. Thanks to modern technology you can now also buy Tamiflu online. To do so safely, you must acquire the drug from a website that offers an online consultation. You will have to enter some details into a medical consultation form, which will then be sent to a doctor, so they can check whether you are eligible.