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