How does Tamiflu work?
The flu virus multiplies rapidly and is highly infectious. Tamiflu works by blocking the virus from reproducing. The virus first invades cells in the airways, where the ideal warm and damp environment allows it to replicate itself and infect other parts of the body. Tamiflu attaches itself to the enzymes which aid reproduction preventing the virus from spreading further. This action helps the body’s immune system to fight the illness quicker and lowers the risk of associated complications such as pneumonia.
Is Tamiflu safe?
Tamiflu Roche is a relatively safe treatment to take for both flu prevention and flu treatment, however some people experience unwanted side-effects. The most common side effects of Tamiflu Oseltamivir phosphate are mild or moderate nausea and vomiting. In the rare event you experience a severe reaction to this medication, stop taking it and consult your doctor for further instructions.
Tamiflu should not be administered to children under 12 months and parents should carefully follow instructions on how to dose the medication to children to ensure the correct amount is given for either flu prevention or flu treatment. How much your child will need depends on their weight.
What are the benfits of buying Tamiflu?
Tamiflu Oseltamivir phosphate is a medication with a double-action: it can help prevent infection as well and relieving syptoms of influenza. Tamiflu is also effective in treating different strains of the flu. The medication’s double action for treatment and prevention makes it an ideal medicine cabinet staple.
Whilst Tamiflu has been available on private prescription for a number of years, the current flu pandemic predictions have led governments worldwide to buy up all available stocks of the medicine. The antiviral will be administered by the State to those with confirmed flu or those who have come into close direct contact with the virus who are at risk of developing complications or passing it on to other vulnerable people. These restrictions on supply mean that it has become much more difficult to obtain a private prescription for the treatment which can be dispensed by a pharmacy and whether or not you are given the medication from the State supply is a lottery. The effects of the medication are beneficial only if treatment starts within the first 48 hours of experiencing symptoms, so your government may not reach you in time to be of benefit.
Tamiflu vs Vaccine
Weighing up the benefits of the vaccine and available antivirals will help you assess which course of prevention or treatment is best for your own personal requirements.
The good news is that the UK government has pledged to vaccinate the entire population and has also got enough stock of Tamiflu and Relenza to treat everyone.
The vaccine will be given out according to a list of priority to include frontline medical staff and people with underlying health problems. However it is still unclear if there is a deadline by which everyone should receive the vaccine and if this can be realistically completed before the winter is underway.
Tamiflu helplines and official channels for obtaining the antiviral are already in place, so getting treatment should be relatively easy, but this is subject to certain criteria, and is not always received in time.
The Tamiflu vs Flu Vaccine debate can also be argued from the point of view that of efficacy. Tamiflu Roche is able to help fight off many different flu viruses from the pandemic H1N1 to the seasonal illness, however the vaccine is made to specifically target a particular strain. In addition, the vaccine may need to be administered in two parts as scientists are unable to guarantee one jab will work.
The answer may be to wait for vaccination and buy Tamiflu online privately for emergencies.