With all the attention being focused on flu vaccine, it is easy to forget about the benefits of early treatment with anti-viral drugs, for people of all ages who actually develop symptoms of flu. In fact, the Department of Health has recently had to remind GPs to consider this option more often.
We have become so conditioned over the years to thinking of flu and other viral illnesses as being untreatable. Yet there is clear evidence from earlier phases of the swine flu pandemic that early treatment with Tamiflu resulted in shorter periods of illness as well as a marked reduction in complications such as pneumonia.
Many people or companies may still have stocks of Tamiflu that are within date and suitable for use. At the Fleet Street Clinic, we certainly have our own good stocks. Tamiflu should only be taken on medical advice, but does need to be started as early as possible in order to give the greatest benefit. We almost always offer same-day GP appointments, and are delighted to advise and support anybody with symptoms of flu.