TREATMENT FOR SWINE FLU

Antiviral drugs - Tamiflu and Relenza
Swine flu is being treated with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing - to be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the symptoms beginning. This can reduce the risk of complications and possibly shorten the illness by a day.
If the National Pandemic Flu Service or your GP confirm you have swine flu, you will be told where your nearest antiviral collection point is so your 'flu friend' - a friend or relative who does not have swine flu - can pick up antiviral drugs for you.
Adverse reactions to Tamiflu
In some cases, antiviral medicine can cause side effects, such as:
· nausea
· vomiting
· diarrhoea
· stomach ache
· headache
Even if you do feel these symptoms it is important that those prescribed antiviral medicine complete the course, even if symptoms of swine flu clear and you start to feel better quickly.