H1N1A Flu And Antiviral Medications: What You Should Know?

In the growing concern over the spread of H1N1A flu, there has been much discussion of the antiviral medications Tamiflu and Relenza.

Both seem to be effective against the current strain.

However, for these medications to remain effective, they must be used properly.

This means using these medications only when appropriate, and according to the proper dosing schedule.

To do otherwise may result in the development of strains of the flu which are resistant to these medications.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that any person who is suspected to have an H1N1A infection should receive one of these antiviral medications to help reduce the severity and duration of the flu.

They also recommend that people who are at high risk for catching this flu, primarily because they have been in close contact with someone who has this flu, use one of these antiviral medications.

Health care workers who are at high risk of developing complications from this flu, and who work with patients in whom this flu has been confirmed should consider taking these antiviral according to the CDC.

It is important to note that there are large groups of people, including most of the public, who are not included under these recommendations.

You should not begin a course of antiviral “just in case” you may be exposed. You should not take one of these antiviral in the hope that it will work as a flu vaccine; it does not.

These medications are important tools in our fight against the flu virus, but like any tool, they must be used carefully, and only when needed.