Influenza

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Influenza, known more commonly as ‘the flu’, is a contagious viral infection that affects thousands of people in the United Kingdom every year. Flu infections can be mild or severe in nature and can sometimes lead to serious complications depending on the sufferer’s age and health. Influenza treatment can be used to relieve coughing and sneezing, as well more severe symptoms such as aches, pains and fatigue, which slow you down and are hard to shake off. Influenza treatment is used to both prevent the spread of infection and reduce symptoms by 1-2 days.

You can order Tamiflu online from 121doc with convenience, receiving the medication within just 24 hours to help get you back on your feet quicker. We offer a free online consultation with a doctor, so that you know you are choosing the right medication for your condition.

How is influenza passed on?

Influenza is a highly contagious virus that spreads from one person to another via sneezing, coughing, and through physical contact. The influenza virus infects cells in the upper and lower respiratory tract and tends to be more common during the winter and early spring. Once the virus has entered the respiratory tract, it spreads rapidly from one cell to the next.

What are the general symptoms of flu?

The symptoms of the common cold and influenza can be similar; however flu symptoms develop more gradually. It’s important to use an influenza treatment as soon as possible to improve your recovery time and reduce the risks of the infection from becoming serious.

Influenza treatment is used to treat the following symptoms:

• Fever around 38o to 40oC high
• Coughing, sneezing and runny nose
• Sore throat
• Aches and pains in muscles and joints, especially the wrists and neck
• Sleeplessness or restless sleep

How many different types of influenza are there?

Type A has the most acute symptoms. There tends to be large scale outbreaks around every 3 years. Previous pandemics include swine flu and avian flu, for which immediate influenza treatment is essential.

Type B sometimes shows similar symptoms to Type A, however its symptoms are not as severe.

Type C, one the mildest forms of flu, and has similar symptoms to a mild winter cold. It usually doesn’t require any immediate influenza treatment.

Who is at risk if of being infected?

Influenza tends to spread quicker in areas where people live in close proximity. If you live in a densely populated area, it is advisable to take precautions by using influenza treatment to reduce your chances of contracting the virus. Older people above 60, children and people with a weakened immune system are most at risk of developing complications such as pneumonia if they catch flu. Treatment is essential for these high risk groups, as influenza can sometimes be fatal.

Can antibiotics be used as an effective influenza treatment?

Influenza is a viral infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Influenza treatment is available on prescription, which works to reduce the spread of the virus. Discomfort can be eliminated by suppressing the symptoms until the virus has run its course. This method of influenza treatment usually includes bed rest and a dose of pain killers.

Prescription influenza treatments

Tamiflu can be taken up to 2 days after initial symptoms appear, reducing their duration by several days. This oral medication can also reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Tamiflu can be taken be people aged 1 and above.

Relenza is inhaled orally and must be taken within 48 hours after the first symptoms appear. This influenza treatment can be used by children over the age of 5 years, however it is not recommended for people who have asthma or respiratory problems.

Can I order an influenza treatment online?

Ordering influenza treatment online can benefit you if you are suffering from flu symptoms and are unable to visit your local GP for a prescription. It is also a convenient way to protect your body against the infection, if someone close to you has caught the virus. Our doctor can write a prescription for Tamiflu once you have completed a short online consultation; this forms part of the purchasing process and is free of charge and takes just a few minutes to fill in.