« Back to Press Releases & Article Home

Flu Scare - Can Tamiflu be the Saviour?
The recent phenomenon which is shaking the world for the last three four years is the recurrence of Bird Flu...

Date : April 01, 2006

The recent phenomenon which is shaking the world for the last three four years is the recurrence of Bird Flu. This is the simple name given to the Avian Influenza.

Influenza, simply known as Flu, is a common disease among human population. Every year before the onset of winter or departure of winter most of us are attacked by common cough and cold which is a symptoms of suffering from Seasonal Flu.

The disease is apparently simple. But if is neglected some times it may become serious.

There are three types of Influenza - Pandemic flu, Bird flu or avian flue and Seasonal flu.
Among them Bird Flu or Avian Influenza has become pandemic and spread from one part of the world to other causing panic to general population, doctors and scientists also.

We want to discuss the topic and like to give some guidelines how to check the disease in humans.

Birds are also susceptible to Influenza like human being. Actually this disease is carried by migratory birds. Why we are concerned about Bird Flu? Because in one hand it affects millions of domestic fowls, chickens and occasionally other animals, on the other hand affects human beings who come in contacts with these affected chickens or domestic animals.

The disease Bird Flue is caused by the virus of type H5 and H7. The present day concern is about the strain H5N1. There is a chance that the virus may mutate when it enters into the body of human beings. This mutation of the Virus becomes fatal to humans causing even death to the person affected by H5N1 virus. In fact a good number of deaths have already occurred in different countries particularly far eastern countries like Indonesia, Taiwan and others. In India also, there is a recent outbreak of the disease causing annihilation of thousands of Chickens.

Now the question is how to check the spread of the disease and protect domestic birds, animals and above all protect human beings.

Fortunately doctors and Scientists are not sitting idle.

A very much effective medicine for Flu has been invented. The Brand name of the medicine is Tamiflu which has been developed by Roche.

The generic name of Tamiflu is Oseltamivir Phosphate. This medicine attacks the influenza virus and stops it spreading inside the body. It is an oral anti viral medicine.

Here we are providing some Tamiflu information below:

Tamiflu should be taken with or without food two times daily. Each dosage should be of 75 mg of the medicine and the medicine is to be taken for five days if a person is attacked by H5N1 strain.

Be cautious that the drug has some side effects. Nausea, vomiting, bronchitis, trouble in sleeping and dizziness are most common side effects..

The drug is not recommended to be used for children under the age of 18.

Till date no injection has been invented to prevent or cure Flu which is so common and contagious. However, there is Tamiflu which will fight and be the savior against flu.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------