Antivirals as a treatment of influenza - By: Anthony Delar

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a viral infection that almost everyone can get infected with at least once in their lifetime. This infection can be passed on from one person to another fairly quickly, and the symptoms usually last for a week. The most commonly noticed or experienced symptoms of flu include high fever, aching muscles, cough, sore throat and rhinitis. People with a strong immune system are usually able to fight off the infection. But those with a weaker immune system, such as young children, pregnant women and older people, can find it hard to naturally fight off the infection. Medications such as Tamiflu or Relenza can help in the treatment of influenza.

How can Tamiflu help with influenza treatment?

Tamiflu, which contains oseltamavir as its main ingredient, is an antiviral medication, that helps in the treatment of influenza. It is a neuraminidase inhibitor drug, which works by preventing the spread and replication of the influenza virus in your body. Doing so, it also gives your natural defence system enough strength and time to fight off the infection. This pill can be taken for influenza treatment by adults and children who are at least one year or older. But this pill should be avoided by those who are suffering from health conditions such as kidney ailments, heart problems, viral infections, liver disease and lung problems. Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding, should also consult their doctors before taking this pill.

This pill is available in the dosage strength of 75 mg, which is supposed to be taken twice a day on a daily basis. You should continue taking this pill at least for 5 days in order to treat the symptoms of flu. If you have mistakenly missed taking one of the doses, you must take the same as soon as you remember it. But if it is almost time for the next dose, then you must skip taking the missed dosage. This pill can cause some side effects, that include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, nosebleed, eye redness or discomfort, insomnia, cough and other respiratory symptoms.

How can Relenza help treating influenza?

Relenza is also a neuraminidase inhibitor drug, which contains Zanamivir as its main ingredient. This antiviral drug is usually recommended for people who have been suffering from these symptoms for at least 2 days. It works in a similar way to Tamiflu, by preventing the spreading and replication of the infection. This in turn gives your immune system enough strength to fight off the infection. This pill can be taken by adults and children who are older than 5 years. But it is advisable for people suffering from chronic lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to avoid this pill. Even pregnant women should consult their doctors before starting this pill.

Relenza comes in the form of powder, which is is supposed to be inhaled by you. You are required to take this drug either twice a day for 5 days, or once for up to 28 days. You should not use a nebulizer or ventilator for taking Relenza. Also, do not mix it with any liquid for taking it. Some of the side effects that you can suffer from, on taking this pill include headache, dizziness, vomiting, stuffy or irritated nose, diarrhoea, nausea, infection of ear, nose or throat and cough.

About the Author

Webmaster associated with online clinic "HealthExpress" this site provides various information on Tamiflu and helps people in curing Influenza, resources are available on site HealthExpress.co.uk.

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