What treatments are for Swine flu?

What are some antiviral Swine Flu treatments?

• Answer:

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information says that the swine flu can be treated if caught very early with two of the anti-viral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu/Fluvir) and zanamivir (Relenza). Tamiflu is for treatment in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and should be taken within 48 hours of the first symptom for maximum effect, however, your health care professional can determine if it is appropriate to start this treatment even after that date, so contact them for advice if you have been exposed or have symptoms. There are currently 4 types of antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to these drugs, the most recent swine-flu viruses isolated from humans, are resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine. None of these drugs prevent us from getting the virus, but can lessen the severity of the symptoms and shorten their duration. If prescribed within the first 40 hours of symptoms, Tamiflu can also be used to prevent the H1N1/09 virus, in some cases. It is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for this prophylactic (preventive) use. It can also be used for prescription to other members of a household, when one person is known to have the influenza, to prevent the rest from getting it. It is not a substitute for proper preventive hygiene techniques and other recommended ways to avoid getting the swine flu and should be used in combination with these measures when prescribed. Prevention is the best medicine...get a flu vaccination!