What is swine flu?
Just like people, pigs can get the flu.  Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza virus that leads to outbreaks of influenza in pigs, and causes high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs.  Swine flu usually doesn’t infect people, and the rare cases that have occurred in the past have been in people who had direct contact with pigs.  The most recent outbreak is different, because it is spreading easily, and in people who haven’t had any contact with pigs.

How does swine flu spread?
Swine flu spreads just like regular flu.  It is transmitted from person to person easily.  Infected people can spread the flu germs by sneezing and coughing.  Touching your mouth, eyes, or nose after touching something with the flu virus on it is all it takes to become infected. 

What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu resemble those of regular flu, and include runny nose, fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Is it safe to eat pork?
Yes.  The swine flu isn’t transmitted by eating pork or other pig products.

Is there a swine flu vaccine?
Not yet.  But the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are working on one, but developing a new vaccine is a long process.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (sold under the name Tamiflu) are being recommended by the CDC for treating and/or preventing swine flu.

Can I do anything to prevent swine flu?
The best defense against any flu virus is frequent hand washing with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with sick people.  Also, you should avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.  Additionally, the CDC has said that Tamiflu is a drug that can prevent swine flu. 
 

Unless you’re one of the lucky few who can get a flu shot from your family physician, you may end up waiting for hours only to discover the supply of vaccines didn’t outweigh the demand. This year, why not try a different approach?

Can’t Get a Flu Shot? Prevent Influenza with Tamiflu

Thanks to modern medicine, there are now prescription drugs on the market that can help prevent the flu. One of the most popular flu prevention drugs is Tamiflu.

Tamiflu is simple to use. Once you know or suspect you may have been exposed to the flu virus, start taking Tamiflu tablets as soon as possible.

Your chances of stomping out the flu bug increase if you start taking Tamiflu within 48 hours of the initial exposure. Even if you don’t show any flu symptoms, you should still continue taking Tamiflu for the next seven days. For those with a weakened or compromised immune system, your doctor may recommend taking Tamiflu for even longer.

If you start to show signs of getting the flu, there is no need to fret. Tamiflu can both ease the severity of your symptoms and shorten your recovery time. Patients with influenza symptoms should take Tamiflu twice daily for at least five days.

To get the most benefit from Tamiflu, be sure to take the pills at the same time each day. This will help to maintain an equal amount of Tamiflu in the body, allowing it to work non-stop in alleviating your flu symptoms.

Tamiflu – The Flu Treatment for Allergy Patients

Although getting a flu shot is recommended, there are some patients who may suffer serious side effects from the vaccine. For people with food allergies, another method of flu prevention such as Tamiflu, may be a better alternative.

This is because flu vaccines often contain egg protein. This can cause a severe reaction in some allergy patients, including children and the elderly. For these people, Tamiflu or another flu prevention medication is suggested.

Four Ways to Help Avoid Influenza This Flu Season

In addition to taking Tamiflu after influenza exposure, there are a number of things you can do to boost your immune system. The benefits of a strong immune system are priceless; not only will you decrease your chances of catching the flu bug, you’ll also improve your chances of avoiding other harmful ailments.

These following four tips will decrease your chances of getting the flu. These tips are also useful for patients taking Tamiflu. By following these suggestions while on Tamiflu, you can avoid reinfection:

1) Maintain an Adequate Sleep Schedule: While getting enough rest is important, many people ignore the fact that you must also sleep on a consistent basis. It does your body little good to sleep only five hours a night during the weekend and then try to compensate by sleeping ten hours on Monday.

Try to go to bed about the same time each evening. By doing so, you can ensure your body maintains an optimum balance of hormones, such as melatonin, needed to ward off disease and infection.

Although Tamiflu does not cause drowsiness, it may cause some patients to feel light-headed or dizzy for the first few days. If you experience these symptoms, be sure to avoid driving or any other hazardous activities until your body adjusts to Tamiflu.

2) Personal Hygiene: We all know how important it is to wash our hands on a regular basis; this includes washing carefully under the nails to remove any dirt or germs. However, there are other ways besides hand washing to help prevent influenza.

Most people don’t realize how many times each day they touch their faces. This includes the eyes, nose, and mouth areas. Even your ears are susceptible when it comes to germs entering the body. By avoiding hand contact with these areas, you can decrease the chances of germs entering your system.

3) Get a Handle on Stress: Stress can both cause illness and aggravate existing conditions. There are many ways to alleviate stress such as breathing techniques, yoga, or a daily workout. It’s important to choose a stress relieving activity you enjoy and stick with it on a regular basis.

However, if you do become ill or start to feel rundown, it’s important not to overdue your exercise regime. For patients taking Tamiflu to prevent or ease flu bug symptoms, it may be best to reduce or eliminate any strenuous activity while your body is recovering.

4) Watch What You Eat: Choose your foods wisely, not only during flu season but throughout the year. Opt to eat 4 or 5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. By consuming foods that are antioxidant rich, you’ll decrease your chances of catching the flu or a common cold.

You can also improve your health by eating only organic meat and dairy products. Unlike factory farm meats, organic meat does not contain harmful antibiotics that are routinely fed to livestock. Consumed on a regular basis, these antibiotics can have a negative effect on the immune system.

For patients taking Tamiflu, choose a simple but healthy diet during the first few days of medication. An upset stomach or vomiting is one of the most common side effects of Tamiflu. By choosing easy-to-digest foods that are not likely to upset the stomach, you can help your body adjust more quickly to Tamiflu.

Learn More About Prescription Tamiflu

If you’re still unsure if Tamiflu is right for you, feel free to read more about the benefits of Tamiflu on this website. Tamiflu is conveniently offered at our online pharmacy and most orders placed by 4 p.m. EST can be shipped the same day.

You can also browse through more flu treatment articles.

While this method may help you deal with symptoms of the common cold, it doesn’t have much effect on influenza. And unlike a cold, influenza cannot be treated with antibiotics. With the flu, you may find the only solution is to take a prescription medication designed to treat flu symptoms such as an anti-viral drug like Tamiflu or Relenza.

Tamiflu is especially helpful in reducing recovery time and preventing the flu from spreading to others when taken within 48 hours of exposure.

Influenza ABCs: The 3 Types of Flu Bug

The flu can be divided into three categories: Influenza A, B, and C. Tamiflu can be taken to reduce the symptoms and speed the recovery of both Influenza A and B.

Influenza A is the more serious type of flu and can lead to additional complications if not treated properly. Elderly patients and those with a compromised immune system should take Tamiflu when they first become ill or immediately after contact with an infected person. Even if no symptoms appear within a few days, it is recommended that you continue taking a daily dose of Tamiflu for at least one week.

Although not as serious, Influenza B is responsible for numerous annoying symptoms and an overwhelming amount of lost work hours due to illness. By taking Tamiflu to treat this strain of the flu, you can limit the amount of down time and lost productivity. Tamiflu can even prevent sickness in people who have been exposed to the flu. The key to success is prompt treatment.

Generally Influenza C produces little or no bothersome symptoms. It is a much milder strain of flu than Influenza A or B. Since Influenza C often disappears on its own, Tamiflu or any other type of flu medication is usually not required.

Tamiflu Tackles All Flu Symptoms

Tamiflu is a power packed anti-viral medication designed to wipe out all symptoms of the flu. In fact, being able to differentiate between the cold and flu can help you decide if Tamiflu is the right choice for you.

The following list contains the most common complaints associated with influenza. If you’re plagued by a few or all of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your physician or online pharmacy to request Tamiflu. It works to treat all influenza symptoms listed below.

Typical Flu Symptoms

• Headache- Although people with a cold may suffer from headaches, influenza patients are more likely to have headache symptoms. Tamiflu can be taken to eliminate the constant throbbing.

• Fatigue- It’s not uncommon for influenza patients to suffer from fatigue for several weeks after other symptoms have dissipated. Tamiflu is helpful in reducing fatigue and will have you feeling back to normal faster.

• Severe cough- If not treated promptly, an influenza-related cough can become more serious over time, often leading to other illnesses including pneumonia. Prescription Tamiflu helps to cure a nagging cough and prevent any additional ailments that may even lead to a life threatening condition.

• High fever- High fever is a very serious flu symptom. It is not unlikely for flu patients to experience a fever of 101 degrees or higher. Children are increasingly susceptible to a high fever when infected with the flu. Prescription Tamiflu eases the fever.

• Body aches and cramps- While the common cold may leave you feeling a bit sore, influenza patients tend to experience more serious aches and pains. Whether it’s a sore back, stomach cramps, or aching legs, Tamiflu can reduce many aggravating body aches related to the flu.

• Stuffy nose- Flu patients may or may not experience a stuffy, runny nose but if you’re bothered by congestion, Tamiflu can help to dry it up.

• Sore throat- We tend to associate a sore throat with the common cold or strep throat. However, some flu patients may suffer from a scratchy, sore throat too. Tamiflu can help by soothing an inflamed throat.

How Long Until Tamiflu Cures My Flu?

The recovery time for Influenza A and B will vary greatly among individuals. Response time to Tamiflu will depend upon a number of factors including when the drug was first taken, your age, and overall health. Elderly patients and children may experience more severe flu symptoms and thus require longer treatment with prescription Tamiflu.

However, most flu patients are advised to take Tamiflu twice daily for five days. This is generally long enough to rid the body of symptoms and help eliminate the virus.

For patients who were exposed to the flu, a single daily dose of Tamiflu is recommended for at least a week following contact. Consult with your doctor to determine the proper treatment time for your individual case. (Or get your Tamiflu prescription without leaving the comfort of home. If you are a suitable patient for Tamiflu, the licensed US physicians at our online pharmacy can prescribe it for you and ship the product directly to your address.)

It is important to give your body enough time to heal and recover from the flu bug. So stopping Tamiflu too soon can result in a relapse.

Are There Side Effects With Tamiflu?

For most flu patients, the side effects of Tamiflu are not serious. An upset stomach and vomiting are the most common complaints associated with Tamiflu. These symptoms will usually resolve on their own within a few days as the body adjusts to Tamiflu.

Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to Tamiflu which could result in a rash, swelling on the face, tongue, and lips, or difficulty in swallowing. If any of these reactions occur, stop taking Tamiflu at once and contact your doctor.

We invite you to learn more about influenza, Tamiflu and other prescription treatments such as Relenza by checking out our Influenza Article Library.

Order Tamiflu at Secure, Discount Online Pharmacy

To order Tamiflu at discount prices, visit our online pharmacy’s Tamiflu ordering page. In most instances, Tamiflu can be shipped to your home address within 24 hours so you can start treating your influenza quickly and help protect your family from catching it.

Odd as it seems, there have been reports that some people, in particular children in Japan, have exhibited odd behavior after taking Tamiflu, a product prescribed to treat the flu or to prevent people from catching the flu. According to these reports, FDA-approved Tamiflu may have induced delirium and other unusual behavior in some patients. While this caused some initial concern, it appears that any link between Tamiflu and unusual behavior is inconclusive.

The Japanese-Tamiflu Connection

Japan has been one of the world’s largest markets for Tamiflu since it was launched there in 2001. Some estimates suggest that nearly 70% of the people who have taken Tamiflu worldwide are in Japan. And of the 600 or so cases of unusual behavior reported among Tamiflu patients, about 75% have been from Japan.

Since 1999, Tamiflu has been taken by millions of flu-stricken adults and children without any serious side effects at all. Still, sporadic instances of erratic behavior have been reported by those taking Tamiflu. In May 2004, Japan’s Health Ministry directed that all Tamiflu sold in the country should carry a warning that using the drug could increase the risk of neurological and psychological problems.

Tamiflu Warning Labels

Both the FDA and the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, the maker of Tamiflu, maintained that there was no evidence linking Tamiflu to the effects observed in some patients. However, in November 2006, the FDA recommended that Tamiflu’s label be modified to include a warning that the product could cause delirium and hallucinations in some users. This action may have been prompted by an increasing number of complaints received from Tamiflu users in Japan.

In March 2007, Japan’s Health Ministry said doctors should exercise caution when prescribing Tamiflu to children between the ages of 10 and 19. Fifteen people in this age group who had taken Tamiflu were reportedly injured or killed in jumps or falls between 2004 and March 2007.

The FDA conducted a study of 596 cases, most of them in Japan, in which Tamiflu users were said to have suffered behavioral side effects. FDA authorities suggested that the Tamiflu warning label be modified, to incorporate language that is stronger and more specific.

While Tamiflu’s manufacturer expressed a willingness to change the label, it also asserted that no clear evidence has been presented to prove a connection between Tamiflu and any form of abnormal behavior. In particular, they pointed out that a severe case of the flu itself can, in some instances, trigger unusual behavior and that Tamiflu should not be blamed for that.

Inconclusive Evidence

More importantly, a Health Ministry panel in Japan studying the connection between erratic behavior and the use of Tamiflu said in an interim report released in December 2007 that no conclusive evidence has been found to link the two. In fact, one of its teams concluded after a preliminary study of 10,000 flu patients, a majority of them Tamiflu users, that the incidence of strange behavior was higher among those who did not take the drug than those who did. A second team pointed out that nearly 40% of those who had exhibited unusual behavior had not taken Tamiflu.

In Tamiflu’s corner are those who point out that no drug has ever caused a reaction that has been confined to people of a single nationality. The FDA has suggested that the high level of Tamiflu use in Japan combined with the strong awareness children there have about "brain fever" and similar ailments have accounted for a jump in the number of reported cases.

Overall, the possible connection between Tamiflu use and unusual behavior remains unproven and in fact may be non-existent. Still, patients considering taking Tamiflu as either a flu treatment or flu preventive should exercise caution and take the product only under the supervision of a licensed physician or pharmacist.

For more information about Tamiflu and the treatment and prevention of the flu, visit the online influenza knowledge base at eDrugstore.md. See the Tamiflu product information page for details regarding Tamiflu pricing and ordering.

This is what happened with amantadine and rimantadine, two of the four antiviral flu medications approved by the FDA. Now it appears that something similar may be happening, on a much smaller scale, with Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Reports of Tamiflu-resistant flu viruses have been circulating recently.

Before jumping to the conclusion that Tamiflu is no longer an effective flu preventive/treatment, it should be said at the outset that Tamiflu still works against the large majority of flu viruses. In addition, it may be that other antiviral flu medicines like Relenza (zanamivir) and the flu vaccine work against the flu strains that appear to be resistant to Tamiflu. Although the winter of 2007 saw the emergence of several Tamiflu-resistant strains of the flu virus, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not change its recommendations on using Tamiflu. In fact, it has discouraged doctors from prescribing amantadine and rimantadine, which are not as effective.

Stubborn Flu Strains

In January 2008, research conducted in Europe revealed a high number of Tamiflu-resistant flu viruses in Norway. Nearly 66% of the H1N1 flu viruses (one of two subtypes of influenza A viruses) from that country carried a mutation that made them resistant to Tamiflu. The mutation is not associated with Tamiflu resistance in other subtypes of the flu virus, and no Tamiflu resistance has been found in any of the influenza B viruses.

By mid-February of 2008, flu viruses in 20 of 41 countries had strains that were resistant to Tamiflu, according to the World Health Organization. These countries included the United States, Canada, Australia, and fifteen European nations. Japan, which uses Tamiflu more heavily than any other nation, was also found to have Tamiflu-resistant flu strains.

In the US and Canada, a little more than 8% of H1N1 viruses were found to be Tamiflu-resistant, while in Europe the rate was about 19%. Tamiflu resistance rates in European countries also varied widely; Spain reported none, and France reported nearly 40%.

Overall, about 13% of the viruses tested from 41 countries carried the mutation that gave them "high-level resistance" to Tamiflu. If someone is infected with a flu virus that has "high-level resistance" and is treated with Tamiflu, the medication will have little or no effect. They may, however, still respond favorably to Relenza or another antiviral flu treatment.

Reports of Tamiflu-resistant flu viruses are not new. Tamiflu-resistant strains have been detected in previous years, but the rate was almost negligible – less than 1%. At the time, it was believed that Tamiflu weakened these resistant viruses so they did not spread. However, some health experts now believe this was wrong since the new discoveries of Tamiflu-resistant viruses were mainly reported in people who had not taken Tamiflu.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in Stockholm, Sweden, said in a statement on February 21, 2008, "These are the first human influenza viruses resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) found transmitting in the community anywhere in the world. Similar viruses have been seen before, but usually following treatment, those viruses have not been able to transmit and infect, and have rapidly disappeared."

"We are certainly monitoring it very closely," said Joe Bresee, chief of the branch of epidemiology and prevention in the CDC’s influenza division, about the reports of Tamiflu-resistant strains of the virus. However, the Tamiflu resistance levels are not yet high enough for the CDC to change its recommendations on using Tamiflu, he noted. "I think that over the next couple of months and next couple of years, if we see dramatic increases we may change our policy a little bit."

Tamiflu and Relenza Still Good Options

Where does all this leave you and me when it comes to the flu? Doctors say it is still a good idea to get a flu shot or take antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza when you notice the first sign of flu symptoms. Relenza is the antiviral flu medication that the CDC recommends as the next line of defense in places where the rate of Tamiflu-resistant flu strains is relatively high.

Tamiflu and Relenza can help you avoid catching the flu and can also treat it if you already have flu symptoms. These prescription drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the flu hitting you. Tamiflu and Relenza reduce the severity of your flu symptoms and make you less contagious. In general, they are 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu.

But be aware that Tamiflu cannot protect you from all flu strains. Similarly, it is difficult to predict how viruses will mutate or respond to different treatments. So a flu virus that responds well to Tamiflu today, may turn into tomorrow’s Tamiflu-resistant strain. So it’s best to stay on your toes.

For now, however, Tamiflu remains a key line of defense for many people in their battle against the flu. Millions of people around the world continue to rely on Tamiflu to reduce their chances of getting the flu bug. And for those unlucky enough to catch the flu, Tamiflu can be an excellent way to ease flu symptoms and reduce the length of the illness.

More information on the flu virus and how to prevent and treat it, visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md. To learn more about antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza, see the Tamiflu and Relenza product information pages.

Don’t want to shake and shiver with the flu for days on end? A good way out could be Tamiflu, an FDA-approved anti-viral medication that reduces the severity of the flu and can even prevent you from getting the flu in the first place.

But before you go out and buy Tamiflu, wouldn’t it be good to know about the pros and cons of Tamiflu and how it compares with other anti-flu treatments? Take our fun flu fighter’s quiz to make sure you’re ready to deal with anything the flu throws at you. (Answers below.)

1. What is the active ingredient in Tamiflu that fights the flu?

1. Zanamivir
2. Carboplatin
3. Fluconazole
4. Oseltamivir

2. How does Tamiflu work as a treatment for the flu?

1. Tamiflu blocks the viral enzyme neuraminidase, which helps the flu virus invade cells in the respiratory tract.
2. Tamiflu increases the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake, thus increasing the level of serotonin available to the brain.
3. Tamiflu stimulates the central nervous system, boosting your immune system and the body’s ability to fight the flu.
4. Tamiflu acts on the sodium channel, causing the body to produce less mucous and attract fewer viruses, including the flu.

3. Which of the following statements about taking Tamiflu for the flu is NOT true?

1. Children that get the flu can take Tamiflu (in reduced dosages) if they are one year or older.
2. Tamiflu capsules are usually taken twice a day by flu patients, for about five days.
3. Double doses of Tamiflu are generally recommended to prevent the flu.
4. Tamiflu is best taken within 48 hours of exposure to the flu virus.

4. Some people that take Tamiflu to fight the flu may experience minor side effects. Which of the following is NOT a relatively common but minor side effect of Tamiflu?

1. Nausea.
2. Dizziness.
3. Runny nose.
4. Vomiting.

5. Which of the following statements about the benefits of Tamiflu is NOT true?

1. Tamiflu often reduces the duration of the flu by one to two days.
2. Tamiflu reduces the severity of common flu symptoms.
3. Tamiflu is an excellent treatment for the common cold in addition to the flu.
4. Tamiflu can work as a flu preventive in addition to being an effective flu treatment.

6. People who work in close contact with flu patients makes them more susceptible to catching the flu. How should they take Tamiflu to improve their chances of avoiding the flu?

1. Take one 75-mg Tamiflu capsule every four hours for four days.
2. Take two 75-mg Tamiflu capsules on five alternate days.
3. Take one 75-mg Tamiflu capsule twice a day for ten days.
4. Take one 75-mg Tamiflu capsule a day for seven to ten days.

7. Which country’s flu sufferers are the world’s largest consumers of Tamiflu?

1. United Kingdom.
2. Japan.
3. United States.
4. Germany.

8. Some people may be allergic to Tamiflu. Which of the following anti-flu medicines do doctors sometimes prescribe for patients who are allergic to Tamiflu?

1. Diflucan.
2. Camptosar.
3. Relenza.
4. There is no anti-flu medicine similar to Tamiflu.

9. What is the main difference between Tamiflu and over-the-counter flu medicines?

1. Unlike Tamiflu, over-the-counter flu medicines treat the flu virus in addition to easing flu symptoms.
2. Tamiflu is a flu preventive and treatment, whereas over-the-counter flu medicines can only ease flu symptoms.
3. Over-the-counter flu medicines are more effective in preventing the flu than Tamiflu.
4. There is no significant difference between Tamiflu and over-the-counter flu medicines.

10. Does Tamiflu work on all strains of the flu virus?

1. No. There is evidence of some Tamiflu-resistant flu strains.
2. Yes. All flu viruses are largely the same, and Tamiflu works equally well on them all.
3. Tamiflu does work on all strains of the flu virus, but only when combined with the flu vaccine.
4. Tamiflu only works on bird flu.

11. Which of these statements about Tamiflu and the flu vaccine is most accurate?

1. Tamiflu and the flu vaccine contain the same active ingredient.
2. Tamiflu can be an excellent choice for people who either cannot or do not wish to receive the flu vaccine.
3. The flu vaccine treats symptoms of the flu, unlike Tamiflu.
4. The flu vaccine is not as effective as Tamiflu in preventing the flu

12. Some people have reported seizures after taking fake Tamiflu. What is the best way to buy Tamiflu and be sure you’re getting the real thing?

1. Buy Tamiflu in bulk, directly from your doctor.
2. Since it’s manufactured abroad, buy Tamiflu direct from the overseas source.
3. Buy Tamiflu from a reputable online pharmacy or at a trusted pharmacy.
4. Use a major credit card to buy Tamiflu and you’re guaranteed to get the genuine product.

For more information about Tamiflu and treating the flu, visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.MD See the Tamiflu product information page for details on Tamiflu pricing and ordering.

Answers: 1) D 2) A 3) C 4) C 5) C 6) D 7) B C 9) B 10) A 11) B 12) C

Fever, chills, body aches, headache… we all know what the symptoms mean: one or two weeks of feeling awful. While fending off the flu (especially from October to March) can be difficult, there is plenty you can do to cut down on the odds of catching it, or at least ensure that you don’t suffer long if you do get the flu.

Getting the flu vaccine, taking some basic precautionary measures and being aware of antiviral flu medications like Tamiflu and Relenza have all been proven effective anti-flu strategies. In fact, each of these can be a sound strategy even when it’s not flu season, since the flu lands more than 200,000 people in US hospitals every year and around 36,000 die from the flu virus or its complications.

The Flu Vaccine

According to many medical professionals, getting the flu vaccine is the best insurance against spending a couple of weeks in bed with the flu. It can be taken as a shot or, if you fear the needle, in some places it’s available as a nasal spray. The flu vaccine contains inactive influenza viruses and works by prompting the immune system to bolster its defenses against the flu viruses in the drug. The flu "bugs" contained in the vaccine are not strong enough to give anyone the flu, but some people who have had the vaccine may catch a mild version.

In any case, the flu vaccine is only effective in preventing the flu in 70% to 90% of healthy people, because it protects only against the most common strains of the flu virus. There is some chance of contracting a flu virus strain other than those the vaccine protects against. People over 65 who are in poor health may be at greater risk of contracting the flu even if they have received the flu vaccine.

The very young, the elderly, people with immune system problems or chronic diseases, and pregnant women should talk to their doctor before taking the flu vaccine as a nasal spray. Those who have had an allergic reaction to the flu shot in the past or who are allergic to eggs should do the same. Consult your doctor about the flu vaccine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Prevent the Flu With Healthy Habits

There are a number of things you can do on a day-to-day basis to keep the flu virus at a safe distance:

• The flu bug spreads most often through physical contact rather than through the air. So wash your hands often with soap and water and use a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Carry a hand sanitizer gel or alcohol-based hand cleaner during flu season if your access to a bathroom for hand-washing is limited.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, ears and mouth too frequently as they are well-known entry points for germs including the flu virus. If you must, use your knuckles to rub your eyes, rather than the tips of your fingers.

• Drink plenty of fluids, get fresh air and exercise. Dehydration makes you vulnerable to the flu virus, especially in winter. Being cooped up indoors when it’s cold also increases your chances of getting the flu because you may find yourself in close proximity to others who have been exposed to the flu virus. Exercise helps build up antibodies, boosting your immunity to a range of illnesses including the flu and the common cold.

• Learning to relax and avoiding job stress can reduce your risk of getting the flu. Various studies have shown that stress reduces your immunity. A relaxed state of mind allows more interleukins, which fight the flu and other viruses, to enter the bloodstream. Learning a simple meditation technique and cultivating regular sleep habits can help keep you de-stressed.

• Avoid smoking (which makes the flu worse) and drinking too much (because it dehydrates the body and paves the way for secondary complications).

• Eat more yogurt! Studies have shown that a cup of yogurt every day can cut the flu risk by 25%. Some doctors also recommend eating organic vegetables and fruits, especially dark green, red and yellow ones, and taking a garlic supplement.

• Visit the sauna during flu season. Some medical professionals believe that the warm air you breathe may kill cold and flu viruses.

• Since the flu spreads from person to person, steer clear of family, friends and others with the flu as much as possible. And if you yourself are ill with the flu, stay at home.

Other simple suggestions for preventing the spread of the flu include leaving windows open a crack during winter to allow fresh air to enter your home, using a humidifier, and sneezing or coughing into your sleeve instead of your hand.

Tamiflu and Relenza – Antivirals that Fight the Flu

Antiviral flu medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza can keep you from catching the flu or reduce the severity or length of the illness. Unlike the flu vaccine (which only acts to prevent the flu), Tamiflu and Relenza both treat the flu virus and ease flu symptoms.

These prescription drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of experiencing any flu symptoms. Tamiflu and Relenza are especially useful if you have not taken the flu vaccine. Both Tamiflu and Relenza are approximately 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu. If you already have the flu, antivirals like Tamiflu and Relenza help reduce the symptoms and make you less likely to give the flu to others.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir ) capsules are usually taken twice a day for five to seven days. The most common side effects of taking Tamiflu are nausea and vomiting, which are mild and typically disappear soon after treatment begins. More serious Tamiflu allergic reactions have been reported, in rare instances.

Relenza (zanamavir) is inhaled using a special inhalation device and is normally used twice a day for five days to a week. Relenza may not be a suitable option for preventing the flu or reducing its severity if you have lung problems. The most commonly reported side effects of Relenza are nausea, diarrhea or headache.

Tamiflu and Relenza are particularly useful in treating high-risk groups like the elderly and those with certain chronic medical conditions. Treatment is vital to these flu patients because they could develop potentially serious or fatal complications like pneumonia and dehydration, or aggravate health conditions like asthma, heart problems or diabetes.

Tamiflu and Relenza also play an important role in preventing flu infections among staff in places like hospitals and clinics, where people tend to comes into close contact with flu patients.

For more information on the flu virus and how to prevent and treat it, visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.

To learn more about antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza, see the Tamiflu and Relenza information pages.