Influenza
Influenza or Flu affects millions every year. This viral infection is contagious and affects adults and children. Older people, kids and those with reduced immune systems are more likely to catch the flu virus. Older people, kids and those with reduced immune systems are more likely to catch the flu virus. Influenza is caused by three types strains of viruses — influenza A, B and C. An attack of influenza helps the body develop antibodies to a particular strain of flu virus but not against new strains. New strains of flu virus keep developing.
Typically symptoms associated with flu are fatigue, headache, runny nose, cough and loss of appetite. The patient suffers from high fever too. There may be sore throat and muscle aches. Often a person suffering from influenza has vomiting and diarrhea. Flu virus spread through coughing and sneezing. Infection can spread very easily.
Though often home care is sufficient for treating influenza, anti-viral medication may be prescribed. These medicines can reduce the severity and length of the influenza attack. The Flu vaccine is touted as ideal for those who are at increased risk for contracting influenza and developing serious complications as a consequence.
Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine comprising dead virus. This vaccine is usually recommended for administration before the onset of the flu season. Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the three influenza viruses that would be common during the following season. The virus in the vaccine are subject to change each year based on international surveillance about the types and strains of viruses that would circulate in a given year. Antibodies that provide protection against the flu develop in the body after about 2 weeks on administration of the vaccine. This prevents flu from occurring in the person.
Different types of flu vaccines
Regular flu shot – for kids 6 months and older
High-dose flu shot – for people above 65 years of age
Intra dermal flu shot - for people aged between 18 and 64 years of age
The nasal-spray flu vaccine can be used on people aged between 2 and 49; however they have to be healthy to receive the vaccination in this form. It is recommended for everyone to get vaccinated before the onset of flu season. However people falling under the below mentioned categories are advised to get vaccinated against flu.
- Children younger than 5, especially children younger than 2 years
- Pregnant women
- People suffering certain chronic medical conditions
- People 50 years of age and older
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Healthcare workers
Oseltamivir Phosphate
Brand name: Tamiflu
Primarily used for treating Flu where the symptoms started within the first 48 hours. With the possibility of Avian Flu Pandemic many governments and individuals have started stockpiling of this drug. Sadly the H5N1 virus responsible for the Avian Flu can be reliably diagnosed only in a few laboratories. The symptoms are so general that they can be easily mistaken for some other disease.
The use of this drug has not been proved effective for treating other influenza type diseases as the efficacy of this drug is limited to Influenza A and B. Again, the drug is not advised for children.
It is prudent to discuss the side effects of this drug with your Health care provider or your medical professional. The safety and efficacy of this drug in repeated usage has not been established.
Side reactions of Oseltamivir phosphate:
General:
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- bronchitis
- Seizure
- Confusion
Availability of Tamiflu:
Tamiflu is available from Roche in 75mg capsules and as a powder for aqueous suspension of 12mg/mL.
Note: The production of Oseltamivir Phosphate is based on shikimic acid, which in turn is based on one of the most popular spices - Star Anise. Drug resistance for Oseltamivir is less prevalent in comparison with amantadine or rimantadine.
Bibliography / Reference
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