Check this out….

 

My cousin just started a summer job as a camp counselor and 10 of the people she works with tested positive for the Swine Flu (YIKES)!  She did not have the flu, but she was given Tamiflu to keep from getting the viral infection. 

 

Tamiflu is a drug that is used to prevent or treat certain types of the flu virus.

 

She was worried about the side effects of Tamiflu, especially because she has had allergic reactions to other drugs in the past.  Here is what I told her:

 

1.    Other drugs should still work right if you take Tamiflu with them.

 

2.    You could have the usual side effects – nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, and headache.

 

3.    You could end up with a cough from taking this drug.

 

4.    It is not common to have a reaction to this drug, but if you do, you may get a rash, hives, itching, and swelling of the lips, face, or tongue.

 

5.    You should start Tamiflu within 2 days of being around people with the flu.

 

6.    You need to start the drug within 2 days of when your symptoms started (It is not known if Tamiflu will help with your flu symptoms if you start it any later).

 

7.    You can take it with or without food.

 

8.    By taking Tamiflu, your symptoms (if you end up with the swine flu) will probably be better about 1 day sooner compared to if you do not take the drug. 

 

I told my cousin that I think Tamiflu is a safe drug, but it will probably not work as well as she would like (if she were to come down with the swine flu).

 

I will definitely make a post very soon with an update on the swine flu so bookmark our site and come back soon!!!

 

Please see our All About the Flu series for more fun, informative articles!