Medicine For Flu That Starts With An O
Flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. While most people recover from the flu without complications, it can lead to serious health problems, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
There are several medicines available to treat flu symptoms, and one of them starts with an O. In this article, we will discuss this medicine in detail, its benefits, side effects, and precautions.
What is Oseltamivir?
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat and prevent flu. It belongs to a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors, which work by blocking the activity of the neuraminidase enzyme in the flu virus. This prevents the virus from spreading and multiplying in the body, allowing the immune system to fight off the infection more effectively.
Oseltamivir is sold under the brand name Tamiflu and is available in capsules, oral suspension, and powder for oral suspension. It is available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Oseltamivir is effective against both influenza A and B viruses, including the H1N1 strain that caused a pandemic in 2009.
How to Take Oseltamivir?
Oseltamivir should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of flu symptoms, preferably within 48 hours. It can also be taken to prevent flu in people who have been exposed to someone with flu.
The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the age, weight, and health condition of the patient. It is important to follow the instructions of the healthcare provider regarding the dosage and duration of treatment.
Oseltamivir is usually taken orally with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole, and the oral suspension should be shaken well before use. If the patient is unable to swallow the capsules, they can be opened and mixed with a sweetened liquid such as chocolate syrup.
Benefits of Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, as well as prevent complications such as pneumonia and hospitalization. It can also reduce the risk of spreading flu to others.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, treatment with oseltamivir within 48 hours of symptom onset reduced the duration of flu symptoms by about one day and reduced the risk of complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis by about one-third.
Another study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that oseltamivir was effective in preventing flu in people who were exposed to someone with flu. The study showed that taking oseltamivir within 48 hours of exposure reduced the risk of developing flu by about 90%.
Side Effects of Oseltamivir
Like all medicines, oseltamivir can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects of oseltamivir are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and abdominal pain.
Less common side effects include dizziness, insomnia, and allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and swelling of the face and throat. Rarely, oseltamivir can cause serious side effects such as seizures and abnormal behavior.
If you experience any side effects while taking oseltamivir, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Precautions When Taking Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It should also be used with caution in people with kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or respiratory disease.
Oseltamivir can interact with other medicines, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines.
Oseltamivir is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as its safety has not been established in these groups.
Conclusion
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat and prevent flu. It can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, as well as prevent complications such as pneumonia and hospitalization. However, it can cause side effects, and precautions should be taken when using it.
If you experience flu symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider can determine whether oseltamivir is right for you and provide the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment.