My use of that word simply meant I would be asking for a full prescription in anticipation of the flu season. The package information gives you directions on how to use the dosages if you are in the midst of flu season and fear being exposed vs if you actually think you've been exposed. It's the same stuff, same dosage and same number in the box, it is just simply being prepared to take it at the first hint of the flu.

It is my understanding that Tamiflu doesn't prevent the flu, but you end up with a much less severe case of the flu.

There is a qualifier here, which is why I responded to your question. I've had my hands on the stuff and I've read the long directions with it. If it turns out that you don't have the flu and you stop feeling sick at all, then you have to figure out how you want to use the remainder of the prescription. I would stop taking it and save the remainder for the next time I thought I had been exposed. I think there was information on the insert about taking it one way if you are a health care worker or otherwise likely to be exposed (maybe a one-a-day regimine, though don't quote me, I'm just making a supposition here). And if you DO end up with the flu later then you'd need to get another Rx to have the full number of tablets you're supposed to take during the course of the illness.

There is a Tamiflu web site. A note at the bottom says it is "intended for U.S. audiences only," making me wonder what other folks are seeing.

You do need a prescription for this, and you do need to discuss how you would use it with your doctor, so take your questions with you when you make that appointment.

SRS