The annual spring chill is here again! In many places, the temperature is fluctuating, and the cold air lingers.
The parents thought that they could breathe a sigh of relief after surviving the cold winter, but they did not expect to encounter a difficult flu virus.
Coupled with the repeated epidemics, parents who are not scared! But fortunately, there is the "miracle drug" of oseltamivir.
Recently, The University of Science and Technology has received a large wave of questions and complaints about oseltamivir:
Some people ask if the side effects are serious, and some people say that it is not so godless at all! Some people also asked, can you eat oseltamivir for a cold?
So, why can oseltamivir be on the altar of anti-influenza? Under what circumstances and in what groups of people is suitable for taking it? What are the side effects?
Why can oseltamivir ascend to the altar of anti-influenza?
The first thing to be clear is that oseltamivir is anti-flu and ineffective against the common cold!
The symptoms between the two, though similar but not identical, are common to the flu, which generally causes high fever, which the common cold usually does not.
Image source: Scientific Family Parenting Original
In most cases, the common cold is caused by rhinovirus, followed by parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, etc.
Influenza (influenza) is caused by a positive viscosity virus and is divided into three types of viruses.
It is generally caused by influenza A virus (H1N1, H3N2, etc.), with fewer types B and C and less infection.
The emergence of oseltamivir is to fight against positive viscous viruses, which is ineffective against rhinovirus!
Taking oseltamivir after the flu can first shorten the course of the disease, and the second can reduce symptoms and complications.
That's why oseltamivir can be so solid!
Under what circumstances is oseltamivir appropriate?
Oseltamivir is used within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms.
If the condition is severe, hospitalization or risk factors such as complications, it may still be considered after more than 48 hours, on the advice of a doctor.
If you have been in contact with influenza patients and want to use oseltamivir for prevention, you must also take the drug correctly immediately after contacting the patient, and the prevention effect will be better.
But remember, it doesn't prevent or treat diseases caused by viral infections other than the flu virus!
There is also no way to prevent or treat bacterial infections that the flu may accompany!
Is oseltamivir suitable for special groups?
1. Children
The State Drug Administration of the Mainland approved:
Oseltamivir can be used in the treatment of influenza A and B in adults and ≥ 1 year of age, as well as in adults and ≥ 13 years of age for the prevention of influenza A and B.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves:
People with acute, uncomplicated influenza over two weeks of age can be treated with oral oseltamivir.
Although these authorities have given the scope of use, the Department of Science and Technology recommends that babies should only use it after the doctor's diagnosis!
When taking it for children, it is recommended to choose granules (15mg/bag) for convenience.
2. Pregnant and lactated
Women during pregnancy are at high risk of developing complications from influenza.
After pregnant women in the middle and late stages are infected with influenza virus, in addition to fever, cough and other manifestations, they are also prone to pneumonia, and rapid breathing difficulties and hypoxemia occur, so pregnant women should prevent influenza!
Studies of oseltamivir used in pregnancy for influenza did not have evidence of congenital malformations, preterm birth and low birth weight.
Therefore, when the flu is confirmed or suspected in pregnant women or women within 2 weeks of delivery, antiviral therapy should be started as early as possible, and the recommended dose of treatment is the same as that of adults.
3. The elderly
As long as there is no obvious liver and kidney dysfunction in the elderly, it can be taken, and the dose does not need to be adjusted.
If there are obvious abnormalities in liver and kidney function, especially in elderly patients with renal insufficiency, the dosage should be prescribed by a doctor.
Oseltamivir is a prescription drug and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
What are the side effects of oseltamivir?
In fact, the overall safety of oseltamivir is good.
The most common side effect is gastrointestinal reactions, and the incidence of vomiting in children is about 15%.
The highest incidence of adverse events reported in adults was also nausea and vomiting, often on the first dose.
In addition, it may cause neurological symptoms such as bronchitis, headache, insomnia, and dizziness and fatigue.
However, we must not delay treatment because of fear of side effects.
Under the conditions that meet the conditions of medication, children must use the medication correctly as soon as possible.
Of course, the flu is different from the common cold, you must take the baby to the hospital to diagnose, follow the doctor's advice, do not abuse the drug yourself!
Finally, HKUST would like to remind you that whether it is the new crown epidemic or the influenza virus, the premise of the fight is to do a good job of prevention.
Wash your hands frequently, ventilate properly, wear a mask when you go out, and the virus will recede as soon as possible!