Flu Fighters: Tamiflu and Beyond

Flu season can be brutal. High fever, coughing fits, and a stuffy nose can make anyone feel miserable. Many people turn to Tamiflu for relief, but it's not the only option out there. There are other treatments that might work better for some folks.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends four antiviral drugs to fight the flu:

• Tamiflu
• Xofluza
• Relenza
• Rapivab

Each has its own perks and downsides.

Tamiflu

• Form: Liquid or capsules
• Dosage: Twice a day for five days
• Prevention: Yes
• Cost: Around $50 without insurance
• Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting

Xofluza

• Form: Single-dose tablet
• Age Approval: 5 and older
• Prevention: Yes
• Cost: Around $200 without insurance (coupons available)
• Side Effects: Diarrhea and vomiting

Rapivab

• Form: IV infusion
• Age Approval: 6 months and older
• Cost: Up to $1,000 without insurance
• Side Effects: Diarrhea

Relenza

• Form: Inhaled powder
• Dosage: Twice a day for five days
• Age Approval: 7 and older for treatment, 5 and older for prevention
• Cost: Up to $90 without insurance
• Side Effects: Allergic reactions, dizziness, nose irritation
• Note: Not recommended for people with breathing problems like asthma

Comparing Tamiflu and Xofluza

• Xofluza is gaining popularity but can be hard to find or covered by insurance.
• Doctors prefer it because it stops viral shedding faster than Tamiflu.

• Concern: The flu virus may develop resistance to Xofluza, especially in younger kids.

• Tamiflu is often the go-to choice, especially for hospitalized patients.
• Advantages: Been around longer, fewer concerns about resistance.

The Future of Flu Treatment

Doctors are still studying the best ways to treat the flu, especially for severe cases. Combining different antiviral medications might be the future of flu treatment.