Tamiflu to the Rescue

As the scorching temperatures cool down and the colors of the leaves turn, the fall season is here again. When fall usually arrives, that means the flu season is not far behind either. With H1N1 being the biggest calamity since the Black Plague (or it seemed like it), when someone contrasts flu nowadays, it is almost like that someone has the God-given right to freak out. Well, Tamiflu can maybe tune down the screaming and shouting just a touch.

Tamiflu, or rather Oseltamivir, is an antiviral drug that can stop the influenza virus (flu) from spreading between the cells in the body. The drug stops the virus from spreading by chemically cutting ties with its host cell, and it can relieve symptoms of flu in as quickly as half a day. It can also help prevent influenza in people who may be exposed to it but not yet contracted. Oseltamivir was developed by C.U. Kim, W. Lew, and X. Chen of the United States-based Gilead Sciences. It is currently marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) as a drug sold under the name Tamiflu. Tamiflu has treated over 500 million people since 1999 to prevent Influenza virus A and B infections.

Tamiflu can be used by anyone who is over the age of 1. When used to treat flu symptoms, take every 12 hours for 5 days. When used to prevent flu symptoms, take every 24 hours for 10 days. People who have heart, kidney, and liver disease are not allowed to take Tamiflu. However, this doesn’t mean that the Tamiflu can be the substitute for an annual flu shot. So, for the lazy folk out there: go get a flu shot.

Now, unfortunately we have to look at Tamiflu with the glass half-empty. Tamiflu does have side-effects: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. And, yes, for the last couple of years, Tamiflu have been shown ineffective when it comes to treating H1N1.

There are some questions concerning treating H1N1 when speaking of Tamiflu, but Tamiflu is pretty good when it comes to treating flu and preventing flu as the medication has served over 500 million world wide. Hopefully Tamiflu can treat and prevent flu symptoms effectively. But most importantly, maybe Tamiflu can stop some of the shouting.