Ever since an unusual flu strain called the AH1N1 virus wreaked havoc in different countries all over the world, a lot of people are in doubt over Tamiflu’s effectiveness. If this drug is all-powerful, how come there are more people who are getting sick by the day? How effective is it compared to vaccines? 

Why not a Vaccine?

Usually, when thinking of a flu epidemic, one of the best modes to fight the virus is through a vaccine. Its effectiveness can last for a very long time, in many cases years. That also speaks on how strong it is in keeping such viruses from infecting your body.

However, AH1N1 virus caught everyone by surprise. After all, it hasn’t been known before. It contains three kinds of flu strains: from humans, swines, and birds. Since such a virus is completely unknown until now, there isn’t any vaccine yet that can get rid of the disease.

So how can you actually stop it? You can take Tamiflu tablets.

How does Tamiflu work?

There are actually two kinds of tablets that are being utilized now to combat AH1N1 virus. These are Ralenza and Tamiflu. Of the two, the latter is a lot easier to take because it’s in tablet form. You need to inhale Ralenza before it becomes effective.

Tamiflu targets the A virus of the AH1N1. It prevents the virus from spreading throughout the body. That’s why when you take Tamiflu, your fever can already subside more quickly. You will also be healed from AH1N1 in a matter of days–it kills the virus.

However, the secret to the effectiveness of Tamiflu lies on how you administer it. This drug should be given to the patient within the first 48 hours after being diagnosed. Otherwise, it starts to lose its effectiveness, and the sufferer may never be cured by the illness. Second, it should be obtained from a health care facility or from a physician because this is a prescribed medicine. Also, children who are more than 7 years old are the only ones who are allowed to ingest Tamiflu. Those with children below the age of 7 must consult their doctor first before they decide to buy an anti-flu, anti-virus medication.

If it’s so effective, how come the virus just keeps on spreading?

There are two good reasons for this. First, the virus is very easy to spread. You can get it by holding the same item held by an infected person. You can also acquire it when the infected individual coughs, spits, or lunges saliva at you when he or she is talking (yes, talk about gross). Let’s not forget that the virus is also very powerful. Second, Tamiflu is administered only when the patient is already infected. It is not a supplement that can be taken to prevent any disease. It’s a form of treatment.

Again, prevention will always be a lot better than a cure. So before you start thinking about where to get these Tamiflu tablets, first know how you can up your defense against the dreaded virus.