What should I do if I think I have the flu?

If you suspect you are suffering from flu symptoms, you should always visit your doctor, who will be able to tell you if you have a condition that requires treatment, or if bed rest and fluids are all you need to recover. If you think you have the flu, visit your doctor as soon as symptoms begin (within 2 days) and ask for more information about Tamiflu.

The flu generally strikes 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus and can seem very sudden. Influenza symptoms include sudden onset of fever and chills, cough, muscle pain, headache, fatigue and weakness. Some people also get a stuffy nose and sore throat. Sound all too familiar?

Should I visit my doctor if I think I have the flu?

If you feel seriously ill, you should always visit your doctor, who will be able to tell you if you are eligible for treatment. Most people make a full recovery within a week, with lots of rest and plenty of fluids alone. If you think you have the flu, you can visit your doctor and ask for more information about Tamiflu, and how it can help your recovery. The flu is a very common illness, yet despite this, there is no known cure. People over the age of 50 and those of all ages with chronic health problems may find it more difficult to make a quick recovery and in these instances, you should always contact a doctor as soon as the first symptoms start to appear.

It is also important to know that people with the flu sometimes develop other serious infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis or ear infections. There are problematic signs to look out for:

• You are coughing up thick, discolored or bloody mucus
• You have symptoms such as recurring fever, chest pain, facial swelling, severe pain in the face, forehead or ear

In these circumstances, it is vitally important that you contact your local GP straight away. In very rare instances, the flu can cause death, particularly when other serious conditions develop as a result of the flu virus.

What should I do if I get the flu?

Visit your doctor to see if Tamiflu is right for you. Tamiflu treats the influenza virus at its source, by attacking the virus that causes the flu, rather than simply masking symptoms. Rest is also important to help you recover. In addition, staying at home will pose less of a risk of others being contaminated with the flu. In actual fact the flu is contagious for 3 or 4 days after symptoms appear. You should also drink plenty of fluids, particularly hot liquids, which may relieve the feeling of congestion. A pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, can be taken for aches and fever. Never give aspirin to a child under 12 years old who has the flu (or any illness you suspect is caused by a virus) due to the risk of a serious adverse effect known as Reye's syndrome.

Whilst painkillers can help to relieve the symptoms of the influenza virus, only Tamiflu is specifically designed to attack the virus and stop it spreading through the body. In addition, if you believe you have been exposed to the flu you can take the product as an effective preventive measure, before symptoms occur. Tamiflu is available via prescription only from one of the recommended retailers, suggested on our Buy Tamiflu page.