Tamiflu Information

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is used to treat influenza. Tamiflu belongs to the group of medicines called neuraminidase-blockers. Neuraminidase is a protein of the virus, which is important for the reproduction of the virus. Tamiflu blocks this enzyme of the influenza typ A and B and hence limits a further infection of the body. By doing so, it allows the immune system to effectively attack the virus. This results in a shorter period of illness and milder symptoms.

An infection caused by Influenza viruses leads to fever, coughs and an overall weakness of the immune system. The body struggles to fight the virus off. People with a weak immune system such as the elderly or people with chronic diseases face a higher risk of having severe problems when catching the influenza. Sometimes an influenza can even be fatal.

Influenza is highly contagious and can spread easily amongst a population. In case of a mutated Avian Bird Flu virus, that can cross-contaminate humans, the risk of a pandemic outbreak of the illness is quite present. In this case the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the use of Tamiflu as an anti-viral medication which will help alleviate symptons until an effective vaccine is found.