TAMIFLU TREATMENT FOR SWINE FLU & SEASONAL FLU

Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is a treatment for influenza, commonly known as ‘the flu’. It attacks the influenza virus and prevents it from spreading throughout the body. Unlike medicines that ease symptoms, Tamiflu treats the virus at its source, by striking the underlying causes of the flu. The latest H1N1 strain of swine flu was first reported in April 2009 in Mexico. Spreading rapidly to the UK and many parts of the globe, there is great concern that we could be on the edge of a pandemic unless the virus is contained. Tamiflu is effective at helping to lessen the symptoms of swine flu and can help provide fortification from the virus, if in an exposed area. As Tamiflu is prescription medication, it is not possible to purchase it before a doctor has done a consultation. If you wish to buy Tamiflu from HealthExpress, you can do an online consultation which will be reviewed by one of our doctors. The online consultation is free of charge and you don't oblige to buy anything.

How Effective is Tamiflu Against Swine Flu?

Tamiflu is successful at treating adults and adolescents with the flu, as soon as symptoms first appear. Tamiflu can also reduce the chance of getting the flu for people who are exposed to someone who has the flu, and reduce the chance of getting the flu if there is a flu outbreak. Tamiflu has already been used in cases in Mexico and the UK for patients suffering from H1N1 swine flu. Conclusions - Tamiflu 75 mg is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for all viruses, including swine flu and common seasonal flu. Tamiflu is not a substitute for a flu vaccination. Patients should continue receiving an annual flu vaccination according to guidelines on immunisation practices.

Against the Avian Bird Flu in Asia?

Tamiflu was used in vivo in an effort to save tigers at a Thailand zoo. The zoo housed 441 tigers and some were fed Bird-Flu infected chickens. Those that had not been fed chickens were segregated away from those fed infected chickens. The tigers were treated with Tamiflu, but eventually 45 tigers died and 102 were euthanized for humanitarian reasons. Thus, in spite of Tamiflu treatment, 33% of the entire tiger population died, but this could have been close to 100% of the infected population.

Conclusions - "Tamiflu, made by Swiss company Roche, has been singled out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as it's drug of choice to protect against bird flu and for use in case of a widespread human outbreak." [source: Reuters 1st March 2005].

How serious is the threat of a pandemic ‘Bird Flu’?

The recommended adult dose of Tamiflu for prevention is 1 pill per day. Since first responders, doctors, and nurses would be caring for patients over an extended time period in a pandemic, it would seem that each would require at least a month's supply or 30 pills (assuming the recommended dose for human influenza would be sufficient for protection against a pandemic flu). The production rate for Tamiflu has been at about 1.5 million doses per year. Production is being increased to 4 million doses, so if 3 million doses were available, that would be enough antiviral to protect 100,000 people for a month. However, the 100,000 would be for the entire world, not just United Kingdom. Thus, the amount of available antivirals that might protect at the dose of 1 pill per day would be limited. Only a tiny fraction of doctors, nurses, and first responders worldwide would be covered.