Swine Flu Treatment

Laboratory testing has shown that the 2009 swine influenza strain is sensitive to two antiviral medicines that are used to treat human influenza. They are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Oseltamivir is given in pill form. Zanamivir is an inhaled medication. Both medications require a prescription. A few drug-resistant strains have been reported, but most swine flu strains remain sensitive. Older drugs like amantadine (Symmetrel) are not effective.

The government has released some of its stockpile of Tamiflu, but the drug may be in short supply in local pharmacies. Not everyone with swine flu needs to be treated. However, the drug should be given to people who appear to have swine influenza if they have chronic medical conditions that put them at risk for complications (see above) or if they are unusually ill.

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Swine Flu - Concerns

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