Tamiflu is an oral antiviral drug that has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment and prevention of the swine flu virus. The new strain of the virus is resistant to most medicines and a probable cure in the form of a vaccine is yet to be developed. People who are hit by the swine flu virus must start taking Tamiflu after consulting with their doctor. Tamiflu is most effective if the treatment begins within 48 hours of developing the symptoms. People who are exposed to the swine flu virus may also take Tamiflu to prevent being affected.

What is swine flu?
Swine flu or swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza A virus. Though swine flu normally only infects pigs but the 2009 outbreak involves a new H1N1 type A influenza strain. It contains genes from pig, bird and human flu viruses. The swine flu virus originated in Mexico in March 2009 and within a few months it has affected thousands of people in several countries across the world. Because of it being spread worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the 2009 outbreak of the new H1N1 flu to be a global pandemic. Swine flu strains can spread fast because no one has natural immunity and so it is easy to catch and transmit the disease.

Swine flu symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those reported in common flu. The severity of the symptoms depends on an individual’s resistance levels and on the treatment being provided. Some of the commonly reported symptoms of swine flu include -

• Fever above 38ºC (100.4ºF)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Symptoms of swine flu develop within 3 to 5 days after the victim is exposed to the virus. The symptoms continue for about 8 days, starting 1 day before the patient gets sick and continues until the patient has recovered. While some patients suffer mildly and recover within a week, in some patients the symptoms of swine flu may worsen, causing pneumonia and other chronic medical conditions. Thousands of people have died because of the aggravation of swine flu symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience headaches, fever or cold and if you develop symptoms after coming in contact with a person who has been exposed to the swine flu virus.

How does the swine flu virus spread?
Like common influenza, the swine flu virus may spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing by people who are already infected with the influenza virus. Healthy people may become infected by touching surfaces that are contaminated by the flu viruses and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.

Swine flu prevention

• Maintain hygiene
• Wash your hands frequently using soap or alcohol-based gel
• Cover you face while sneezing or coughing
• Stay away from crowds if possible.
• Stay home if you fall sick to avoid infecting others
• People who have or are suspected of having swine flu should wear a face mask

Swine flu treatment with Tamiflu
Tamiflu oseltamivir is an oral antiviral drug belonging to the class of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. The drug is found to be effective against both Influenza A and Influenza B virus. The US FDA has also approved Tamiflu for the prevention and treatment of the swine flu virus.

Influenza virus spreads because of a helper chemical on the surface of the virus called neuraminidase. This chemical enables the virus to spread to adjacent cells once it has entered the body. Tamiflu aims at attacking the virus so that it does not spread inside your body. The active ingredient in Tamiflu called oseltamivir binds to the neuraminidase on the surface of the virus particles and prevents it from working. By blocking the neuraminidase, Tamiflu confines the infection to a smaller area and prevents the virus from spreading inside your body. As a result, the symptoms and duration of swine flu are considerably reduced. Tamiflu works best when the treatment is initiated within 2 days of experiencing flu-like symptoms. Tamiflu oseltamivir has been shown to reduce the duration of the illness by approximately 1 day. Most importantly, the medicine helps to reduce the risk of developing flu-related complications, such as chest infections which may become severe and life threatening.

Tamiflu UK

Tamiflu oseltamivir is available to people in the UK who have been infected with the swine flu virus and to those who have been exposed to the virus. Tamiflu UK should only be used after consulting a doctor and after informing the doctor about your medical conditions, allergies and medicines you may be taking. You may also buy Tamiflu online in the UK from online clinics such as Healthexpress.co.uk. The website facilitates free consultation by a specialist doctor through an online consultation form. If the doctor finds Tamiflu suitable for you after reviewing your medical details, you will be sent a prescription for Tamiflu by email. Following this, your Tamiflu pills packet will reach your given address safely and promptly.