Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
Tamiflu
avatar
Rohvannyn posted:
What is your opinion on the helpfulnes of tamiflu? I keep reading reports about it not helping much. I know prevention is the best cure, but what if you get the flu anyway? I wonder if it's worth getting germs all over the others in the pharmacy just to pick a medication up that has limited effectiveness. What has your experience been?

Thanks, as always, for being here.
Roh

'Your focus determines your reality.' --QGJ
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:TamifluWhat is your opinion on the helpfulnes of tamiflu? I keep reading reports about it not helping much. I know prevention is the best cure, but what if you get the flu anyway? I wonder if it's worth getting germs all over the others in the pharmacy just to pick a medication up that has limited effectiveness. What has your experience been?<br /> <br />Thanks, as always, for being here.
Reply
 
avatar
Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
I have seen it help a great deal, but the diagnosis of INFLUENZA must be correct (by lab test) and the medication must be started EARLY (within a day, no more than two) for it to help. It shortens the course of the illness by a few days...important if you only have limited sick days or have an essential job where you can't be sick, and it does reduce the severity of the disease, because it lowers the "viral load".

I wish that people would just get the flu vaccine early in the season and Tamiflu would not likely be needed.
Report This| Share this:TamifluI have seen it help a great deal, but the diagnosis of INFLUENZA must be correct (by lab test) and the medication must be started EARLY (within a day, no more than two) for it to help. It shortens the course of the illness by a few days...important if you only have limited sick days or have an essential job where you can't be sick, and it does reduce the severity of the disease, because it lowers the "viral load".<br /> <br />I wish that people would just get the flu vaccine early in the season and Tamiflu would not likely be needed.
Reply
 
avatar
Rohvannyn replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thanks for the insight!
Roh

'Your focus determines your reality.' --QGJ
Report This| Share this:TamifluThanks for the insight!
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

Featuring Experts

Profile
Rod Moser, PA, PhD Expert
Welcome to WebMD's Ear, Nose, and Throat Community — a site where members help each other. If you have an experience to share or would like ...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

FAQ Tip #2: Tonsilliths and Cryptic TonsilsExpert
People are often puzzled by white accumulations in their tonsils. Some feel they have Strep, yet they do not really have a red, sore ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
17 of 25 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Focus on Flu

Find answers to your questions about seasonal flu issues and answers to your concerns about the flu season and H1N1...Read More

Related News

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.