subject: Understanding influenza and Tamiflu's action against it [print this page] Understanding influenza and Tamiflu's action against it
Influenza virus is of three types: type "A", the type "B" and type "C". While type A is considered to be the most dangerous of all types, it is also responsible for causing a large number of epidemics in the past. A variety of birds and animals are affected by it and so are we. These viruses are divided in to sub types as per their surface proteins. The surface proteins agglutinin and neuramidase, are variations of the original virus. There are around 16 variations in agglutinin and 9 in neuramidase.
The permutations and combinations of sixteen to nine is very high and this is the number of viruses that can be formed, which are called type "A" influenza. Not all of these are highly dangerous but some are known to affect humans as well as animals. Only a few of these viruses, such as H1N1, H1N2 and the H1N3, can affect humans. The avian strain, H1N5, is known to affect humans and spreads through saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. The other two strains of influenza virus, B and C, are not as dangerous and show only mild symptoms.
The viruses that are responsible for the flu, are showing a drift, which is a genetic mutation of the virus. This highly dangerous virus is resistant to all drugs and can spread from human to human. It has also been documented in medical journals that some strains of this virus develop resistance against medications even before getting exposed to them.
Tamiflu's action against influenza
Oseltamivir, commercially marketed as Tamiflu, is the only drug till date that blocks the spread and replication of influenza virus in the body. It is used to treat both, Influenza type A and B infections. It is the first orally active medication to be commercially manufactured. This medication was developed by Gilead Sciences and marketed by HoffmannLa Roche (Roche) as Tamiflu. It is a prescription only drug.
This drug is recommended by doctors worldwide to treat infections caused by flu viruses A and B. It helps you in getting rid of cough, fever, headache, sore throat and weakness that are normally associated with flu. It can prevent the onset of Influenza even after an individual has been exposed to the virus. This drug is also known to prevent viral particles from being released by cells that are infected, thus restricting the spread of infection and reducing recovery time.
This drug works by attacking the virus at its root and stopping it from multiplying in the body. After this phase, it kills the virus with the help of effective antibiotics. It works best when taken within the first 24 to 48 hours of appearance of symptoms. Ensure that you complete the whole course even if your health starts recovering before the completion of the course. Your doctor may prescribe Relenza if you are allergic to Tamiflu. Relenza is also an effective treatment for Influenza. Relenza is to be inhaled by the mouth from where it reaches the lungs, the site where the flu virus resides.
