Do I have the flu?

Nature is a fanciful god. Sometimes it donates its entire fortunate thing to mankind and sometime it shows its harshest face. Since times immemorial man has been illuminating nature and converting it according to his personal necessities. There are proofs that every time the humans tries to change the natural cycle, devastation occur which are also the warning from the nature’s side. Every time when trouble occurs, it is because of human’s incorrect actions. But the humans are the only species on this earth that knows how to use their uppermost part of the body i. e. the brain. It is only because of brain that humans courageously faces the consequences and tries to find a solution to the existing problem. This time another creation of god i. e. chickens are creating problems for humans by spreading the disease called bird flu. As per latest information bird flu has taken the lives of almost 50 people in Southeast Asia and resulted in the deaths of millions of poultry. The virus can be a severe threat if it develops the capability of trouble-free diffusion from one person to another. Avian influenza viruses infect wild bird populations, particularly water birds, typically without causing symptoms. The virus spreads through bird feces and contaminated water or dust. When avian influenza spreads to poultry or other birds, it can cause more severe disease. Outbreaks of avian influenza have been recognized in poultry flocks in most countries of the world for many years. In February 2005, researchers in Vietnam reported human cases of bird flu in which the virus infected the brain and digestive tract of two children. Both ultimately died after a few days of struggle. Hence, this proves that the bird flu may start like any other flu but more often than not is fatal. Tamiflu is the only effective medicine to fight against bird flu. In the past one year time, it has emerged as one of the most effective drugs against bird flu. More and more doctors in the effected parts of the world are writing prescriptions for Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), an antiviral medication, for treating flu caused by influenza virus. Tamiflu attacks the influenza virus and stops it from spreading inside your body. You should contact your doctor and begin treatment within 48 hours from the onset of flu symptoms.
Tamiflu has been found to be most effective in treating avian influenza patients as it attacks and destroys the influenza virus rather than just masking the symptoms.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral drug marketed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. It belongs to a group of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors and can shorten the duration and lessen the severity of the type a and b strains of the flu, as well as bird flu. Each 75-milligram capsule contains the active chemical oseltamivir, as well as several inactive ingredients. Scientists synthesize oseltamivir from shikimic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in plants like Chinese star anise, ginkgo, spruce, pine and fir trees. Tamiflu targets a protein called neuraminidase that lives on the flu virus cells. This protein helps the flu virus break through the cell walls so it can move on to other cells and replicate itself. Tamiflu inhibits the neuraminidase protein, so that the virus can’t leave the cell to infect other cells. Eventually, the virus dies. Tamiflu can’t stop the flu entirely. Yet, studies have shown that if it is taken within 48 hours of showing symptoms, it can shorten the duration of the flu (strains A and B). Patients with the flu who took it felt better 30 percent (or 1. 3 days) faster than people who didn’t take it. The drug also can help protect you from getting the flu if you’re exposed to someone who has it. But Tamiflu can’t prevent the spread of the disease, and it won’t stop illnesses (like the common cold) that resemble the flu.
For the treatment of flu, Tamiflu should be taken twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening) for five days. Tamiflu can be taken with or without food. As with many medicines, if taken with a light snack, milk, or a meal, the potential for stomach upset may be reduced. One must complete the entire treatment of ten doses, even if he/she is feeling better. Never share Tamiflu with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms. It is important that you begin treatment with Tamiflu as soon as possible or from the first appearance of flu symptoms. If you forget to take your medicine at any time, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is near the next dose (within 2 hours). You can continue to take Tamiflu at the usual times. You do not need to take a double-dose. If you have missed several doses, inform your doctor and follow the advice given to you. If you develop an allergic reaction or a severe rash while taking Tamiflu, contact your healthcare professional immediately. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding while taking Tamiflu, talk to your doctor before taking this medication. Tamiflu is normally not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown.
Tamiflu is generally safe for adults and children ages one and up. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, but you can help prevent them by taking the drug with food. Other, less common side effects are bronchitis, insomnia, skin rashes and vertigo.
There is no real cheap Tamiflu available online as this is a very unique product in marketplace. However, there are only a handful of online pharmacies that seem to be managing the demand so that they don’t have a backlog of orders. So it’s a request to buy Tamiflu only from a genuine online pharmacy.

Images provided by Danny McL (http://www.flickr.com/photos/82096028@N00/3753693372)