Influenza H1N1 Protection with Tamiflu and Relenza

11 July 2009

Unless you've been on Mars for the past several months, you've heard all about the latest deadly strain of flu now referred to as "Influenza A H1N1" (formerly known as "Swine Flu"). Virulent and deadly, and not yet fully understood, H1N1 has achieved global "pandemic" status and may turn out to be the worst strain yet.

If you're thinking about trying to protect yourself from H1N1, a number of specialized medicines are available from www.canamericaglobal.com.

Antiviral drugs like Roche's Tamiflu and Relenza (which is made by GlaxoSmithKline) may be just what the doctor ordered to fight this fierce flu.

"Both of these drugs are effective when it comes to H1N1, especially if used in the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing," said Adelaine Saria, a pharmacist with MedSmart Pharmacy located in Winnipeg.

These drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of the illness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may help limit the severity of the illness and even prevent death.

If you do get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications.

Antiviral drugs also can also be used to prevent the flu when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who may have been exposed to a person with H1N1. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are quite effective.

"Typically the drugs are used for treatment, but they can be used as a preventative as well," said Saria.

Of course, part of prevention is doing what we can ourselves to help prevent the spread of the flu.

To reduce the spread of H1N1, always;

  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water, often.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze.
  • Contain your germs -- stay home if you are sick.

Both Tamiflu and Relenza are available from CanAmericaglobal.com, click here for more information on Tamiflu and here for more information on Relenza.

HOW DO ANTIVIRALS WORK?

Drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza work by inhibiting an enzyme the flu virus needs to spread through your body. The surfaces of flu viruses are dotted with neuraminidase proteins. Neuraminidase, an enzyme, breaks the bonds that hold new virus particles to the outside of an infected cell. Once the enzyme breaks these bonds, the new virus is set free and can infect other cells and spread infection. Neuraminidase inhibitors, like Tamiflu and Relenza, block the enzyme's activity and prevent new virus particles from being released, thereby limiting the spread of the infection.

 

Do I have the flu? Or is it just a cold?

Cold Vs. Flu

SymptomColdFlu
FeverFever is rare with a cold.Fever is present in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
CoughingA hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold.A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
AchesSlight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.Moderate to severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy NoseStuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
ChillsChills are uncommon with a cold.60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
TirednessTiredness is fairly mild with a cold.Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
SneezingSneezing is commonly present with a cold.Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden SymptomsCold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
HeadacheA headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.A headache is very common with the flu, present in up to 80% of flu cases.
Sore ThroatSore throat is commonly present with a cold.Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest DiscomfortMild to moderate chest discomfort is commonly present with a cold.Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

 

DISCLAIMER: Important Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other health care professionals. Do not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider immediately.

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