RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—As more people succumb to the H1N1 swine flu, Tamiflu, the antiviral medication used to fight the disease, is becoming a hot commodity. But should everyone who contracts the virus press his or her physician for the medication? Or should clear liquids and plenty of bed rest be the first line of defense?
This: Tamiflu
Pros: "In the vast majority of cases, Tamiflu reduces the severity of [H1N1] and shortens the duration of the disease," says Georges Benjamin, MD, executive director of the American Public Health Association. And there are cases in which the medication literally saves lives, he adds. Tamiflu can prevent serious complications and the secondary infections, like bacterial pneumonia, that can become life threatening.
Cons: It's not as available as it used to be. "There certainly has been a higher demand for Tamiflu, so you may not be able to get it in the first place that you go," he says. Also, Tamiflu isn't very effective if you don't get it within the first 48 hours of developing flu symptoms, according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, overuse of Tamiflu and other antiviral medications can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of the virus.
That: Fluids and Rest
Pros: This prescription is cheap, and it's sufficient for most people who will get sick. "Most doctors are recommending that for most of us, taking fluids and resting will be fine," Dr. Benjamin notes. Mild over-the-counter medicine and/or natural remedies can make you more comfortable while your body fights back the virus.
Cons: Prolonging the flu for even a day can be a miserable experience if your symptoms are severe. And there's always the chance that you could develop serious complications. "There are still people who are normal and healthy, and don't appear to have any health complications, that can get very, very sick from this," Dr. Benjamin says.
This or That?
Go with…whatever makes the most sense for someone in your risk group. But you have to make sure your doctor has all the information. "Sometimes you won't have a relationship with a primary-care physician," says Dr. Benjamin, particularly if you're going to a minor-med clinic for flu treatments, or somewhere other than your usual doctor's office. "People ought to make sure their doctors are aware of any underlying conditions."
The CDC advises that people on the high-priority list for this year's tight supply of Tamiflu and other antiviral medicines include children under age 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant women or women who have delivered within two weeks, people under 19 on long-term aspirin therapy, people with underlying conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung problems, or those whose immune systems are compromised. If you don't fall into one of those categories, says Dr. Benjamin, just rest up, drink lots of fluids, and save the meds for the people who really need it.