People often mistake their symptoms for the flu when they are actually coming down with a cold, and in these cases, Tamiflu will not help. While many of the symptoms are similar, those with the flu may develop a high fever, and those with a cold likely will not.
Antiviral medications also will not help cure a sinus infection because it is often caused by bacteria, not a virus. However, if you indeed have the flu, Tamiflu may help. However, she recommends that if you are a high-risk patient with a compromised immune system or in close quarters of someone who is prone to illness, Tamiflu is encouraged.
Tamiflu can be prescribed by your health care provider in varying strengths—75 milligrams mg , which is the most common, 45 mg, 30 mg and a suspension version for children, which results in a liquid form after being mixed with water at the pharmacy. Tamiflu is not always cheap. However, particularly in vulnerable populations, the benefits may far outweigh the potential costs, according to Columbus.
When medications are expensive, it is important to shop around at multiple pharmacies to get the most affordable prescription, as prices vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. While Tamiflu and other antiviral provide important protection for vulnerable populations and those who are already sick, preventing the contraction and spreading of the virus via more traditional public health methods is the best line of defense. But better than any remedy is taking steps to avoid the flu.
It helps you stay well and helps everyone around you, too. Across the country, those sick days add up, costing billions of dollars in lost productivity each year. Although Tamiflu can reduce the flu by roughly 1 to 2 days, the flu vaccine is still the best option for fighting flu. A doctor answers your questions about Tamiflu. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy.
You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Can the Flu Trigger a Heart Attack? Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. For the treatment of influenza , Tamiflu should be taken for five days after flu symptoms start. Adults and adolescents 13 years and older may take 75 mg twice a day for five days. Flu symptoms typically last for five to seven days , but Tamiflu can reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms.
If you think you have the flu, you should always call your healthcare provider instead of waiting to see if you improve. However, you should always discuss the benefits and risks of taking Tamiflu with your healthcare provider.
Tamiflu can have side effects usually occurring within the first two days , and for some people, these can be worse than having the flu, according to Dr. The most common side effects of Tamiflu include:. According to the FDA, children and adolescents with the flu are at an increased risk for serious side effects like seizures, confusion, and abnormal behavior. Brauning is always cautious when prescribing it for children because of the side effects. Tamiflu is best for patients who are at high risk of developing severe complications from the flu virus.
This includes very young children, the elderly, immunocompromised patients, patients with diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and other chronic diseases, and nursing home residents. Patients with mild to moderate liver impairment can safely take Tamiflu. Patients with severe liver disease should speak with their doctor as to whether or not it is safe to take Tamiflu. I n patients with mild kidney issues or with end-stage renal disease and on dialysis, the dose of Tamiflu will likely be adjusted.
But, Tamiflu is not recommended for people who have end-stage renal disease and are not on dialysis.
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