Influenza

Effective treatments are available to reduce the severity and length of an attack or prevent infection.

Influenza is an infection caused by the influenza virus which is passed form one person to the next in the air or by direct contact. Influenza infects the throat, nose or lungs. The signs of influenza include the sudden onset of fever (> 37.8 °C), cough, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, muscle aches and often extreme fatigue. These symptoms may also be caused by infections other than influenza. True influenza infection only occurs during annual outbreaks (epidemics) at times when influenza viruses are spreading in the local community. Outside of the epidemic period, these symptoms will mainly be caused by a different type of infection or illness.

A common cold is often mistaken for Flu. The differences between the two are however very clear. Flu starts very suddenly, often as a cough with no stuffiness, and makes you feel unwell in you whole body. A cold usually comes on slowly and only affects the nose, throat, sinuses and upper chest. With a cold, you may feel under the weather, but you can still carry on with life. If you have Flu, you will feel dreadful, and will be forced to bed. It will last a week if left untreated and leave you feeling run down for another 2 weeks. A cold is normally over in a week.

Tamiflu

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) should only be taken if prescribed by a registered doctor. It can be prescribed to treat or prevent influenza. It inhibits enzymes in the influenza virus which stop the virus from reproducing and spreading. This shortens and reduces the severity of Flu if taken within 2 days of the start of symptoms and can prevent infection in the first place if taken when Flu is in your area.

If you are taking other medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding or have problems with your kidneys, you should ensure your doctor knows before he prescribes tamiflu. Tamiflu can be taken with paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin.

Tamiflu can cause side effects. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and stomach ache. These side effects mostly occur only after the first dose of the medicine and will usually stop as treatment continues. The frequency of these effects is reduced if the medicinal product is taken with food. Less commonly skin reactions and mild to severe liver function disorders have been very rarely reported. Convulsions, depressed level of consciousness, abnormal behavior, hallucinations and delirium have also been reported during tamiflu administration, leading in rare cases to accidental injury. Patients, especially children and adolescents, should be closely monitored and their healthcare professional should be contacted immediately if the patient shows any signs of unusual behavior.

To treat Flu for people of 13 years or older, the normal dose of tamiflu is one 75mg capsule, twice a day started as soon as possible after symptoms are experienced. The full 5 day course should be taken.

To prevent Flu for people of 13 years or older, the normal dose of Tamiflu is one 75mg capsule, once a day. The full 10 day course should be taken.