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Tamiflu vs the swine flu Vaccine

Article dated the 30th of September 2009

The Government has already implemented some measures to contain the swine flu virus and over half a million people have used the National Pandemic Flu Service to obtain the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The flu vaccine is soon to follow and is currently being mass produced to meet Government demand. The influenza H1N1 vaccine will be administered via GP surgeries through the National Health Service.

Tamiflu

This quick guide to swine flu remedies aims to help you assess which course of treatment or prevention proposed by the UK Government is best to suit your personal health needs.

Influenza Vaccine

Advantages

• Preventive measure rather than cure designed to stop illness and spread of virus.


• Government plans to administer to the entire population, enough doses for everyone.

Disadvantages

• The timeline for administering the drug is still unknown. The winter may be well underway before those lower priority individuals are vaccinated.


• Up to two doses of the vaccine may have to be given for efficacy reasons.


• The flu vaccine only protects against specific viral strains. If the H1N1 flu virus changes the vaccine may be ineffective.


• Some people will develop flu-like symptoms after vaccination


• It is not known whether the vaccine can cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.


• Vaccinating healthy children prevents production of natural antibodies to flu which are obtained from natural infection. H1N1 flu symptoms in children have been relatively mild.


• If you catch influenza you will still have to use a flu remedy to manage symptoms.


• The vaccine been fast-tracked through testing so efficacy against H1N1 is not clear.

Tamiflu

Advantages

• The antiviral does not need to be administered prior to contact with the virus, avoiding unnecessary side effects.


• Tamiflu be used either as a preventive measure or cure, so, it not only aims to stop illness and spread of virus but can also relieve flu symptoms.


• The anti-viral can be bought online on a private prescription and kept at home.


• The medication was successfully administered during first wave and proven to be useful in fighting H1N1.


• Tamiflu is generally well tolerated.

Disadvantages

• Government supplies are limited. Not everyone will be given Tamiflu through the official government channels.


• Some side effects have been reported. The most common side effects of Tamiflu are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.


• The medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown.


• Not recommended for use in children under 12 months

N.B. Pregnant women, women nursing children and those with young children should seek more traditional prevention methods and remedies for flu. Traditional flu remedies include taking paracetamol or aspirin, getting plenty of rest, steam baths and drinking lots of fluids. If symptoms persist or are severe you should contact your GP for further information and advice.

Latest information 30/09/2009
about the new swine flu vaccine, how to get tamiflu