Oseltamivir: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
What is Oseltamivir?
Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug that prevents and treats viruses in the body. It helps treat influenza A and B viruses in infants (two weeks older and above), children and adults. Oseltamivir medicine further prevents the flu if you have been exposed to an influenza patient or are in a situation where there is a flu outbreak in your city.
It hinders the action of neuraminidase (virus-produced enzyme), which encourages its spread from unhealthy cells to healthy ones. This way, we can minimize the symptoms and duration of the flu.
What are the uses of Oseltamivir?
Oseltamivir comes under the neuraminidase inhibitor class of drugs. It is an effective medicine to prevent and treat influenza A and B viruses in infants, adults and children. If you have been experiencing flu symptoms for less than two days, your doctor may prescribe Oseltamivir.
This medication will help relieve severe flu symptoms like cough, stuffy nose, fever/chills, aches, sore throat, tiredness, joint aches, etc. However, if you have been exposed to another patient, Oseltamivir will prevent you from catching the flu.