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30 Sep 05 - 09:59 AM (#1572683) Subject: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: GUEST,sharon In view of the threat of the Bird flu virus, should we all be buying our own tamiflu? If so, can it bought over the counter in the uk, or wherever you are from ? Also, is oseltamivir an alternative, or something to have in addition ? |
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30 Sep 05 - 10:10 AM (#1572693) Subject: RE: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: Stilly River Sage It's expensive, even with Rx coverage. We used it a couple of times last year. If I'd had some in the house already it would have been even more effective. Bird flu aside, the flu shots last year didn't include the A/California strain, but that's the one that made the rounds here and it hit us hard. The Tamiflu reduced the early symptoms, the high fever, achiness, all of that, but the respiratory end of it was fairly intact. My son did a good imitation of a famous barking boy. After missing most of a week of school, I got him up on a Friday to send to school because he felt pretty good. But his sister listened to him bark at breakfast and remarked "They're going to LOVE that at school." I agreed and sent him back to bed. Considering how bad that was WITH Tamiflu, I'd hate to have encountered that bug without it. Next time one of us is in for a checkup I'm planning to ask for a prophylactic Tamiflu Rx, to have in the house for "just in case." SRS |
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30 Sep 05 - 10:29 AM (#1572715) Subject: RE: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: GUEST,sharon Is prophylactic Tamiflu Rx different from the normal on ? sorry if it's a dumb question ! |
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30 Sep 05 - 11:20 AM (#1572753) Subject: RE: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: CarolC In the absence of any other alternatives, I'll be keeping a supply of Cold-Eeze zinc lozenges handy. It might not stop a really bad flu, but it could reduce its severity enough to keep us alive. |
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30 Sep 05 - 11:28 AM (#1572760) Subject: RE: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: GUEST I would check with my Physician. |
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30 Sep 05 - 11:52 AM (#1572778) Subject: RE: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: CarolC Some strains of the Asian bird flu are showing resistance to Tamiflu... http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HKG114286.htm |
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30 Sep 05 - 12:30 PM (#1572796) Subject: RE: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: Stilly River Sage 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 |
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30 Sep 05 - 01:22 PM (#1572831) Subject: RE: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: mooman I will be getting three doses from my GP for us. He says no problem and my supplementary insurance through work will pay a good chunk of it. I thought about getting some in advance and storing it in the fridge but the storage life is not as long as I thought apparently. I do think it's worth the precaution. Peace moo |
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30 Sep 05 - 03:38 PM (#1572913) Subject: RE: BS: Tamiflu..to buy or not to buy ? From: M.Ted If you are open to homeopathy, Oscillococcinum is said to be at least as effective as the other stuff--there is also a new homeopathic flu compound made each year from the strains that are in circulation-- |