Tamiflu Guidelines for H1N1 Virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines regarding the use of the antivirals (Tamiflu and Relenza) for people infected with the H1N1 virus. The goal of antivirals is to reduce the amount of hospital care need to treat patients who have developed severe complications of influenza and limit the number of deaths.

The WHO has already identified the people who are highest risk of developing these severe complications should they contract the H1N1 virus. Considering the limited time that doctors have to give the antivirals (within 48 hours of onset of illness), the WHO has recommended that if patients come with signs of influenza, doctors shouldn’t wait for test results but treat the patients with antivirals if they feel it’s necessary. That being said, although 48 hours is the generally accepted time frame, patients with severe illnesses should be treated anyway, no matter how far into the infection, say the experts.

You can read more about the recommendations in the WHO briefing, which explains the recommendations in more detail.

Difference between colds and flus

Despite the news and information going out, there is still a bit of confusion among some people regarding the differences between a common cold and a flu. First of all, there’s no such thing as a stomach flu. If you’re sick with vomiting and diarrhea – you likely don’t have the flu unless you have it at the same time as whatever stomach bug you have. And there’s no 24-hour flu. Influenza lasts considerably longer than that.

If you’re coughing, sneezing, have a stuffy nose and a cough – that’s most likely a cold. If you have a high fever, aches and pains all over, heaviness or pain in your chest, a cough, and weakness – that’s most likely influenza.

Treatments

Other than the antivirals for influenza, there’s not much you can do to treat either colds or flus, other than rest and plenty of fluids. You need to stay hydrated, particularly if you have a fever.

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