Late flu season can cause problems

However, what we are not hearing about is that South African's now have access to an anti-viral drug, Tamiflu, which is effective against every strain of flu. This drug will kill the virus if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms - so symptoms are milder, patients recover sooner and the spread of the virus can be better contained. It can also be used to prevent flu developing if taken after contact with an infected person.
Influenza is a potentially serious viral respiratory disease associated with morbidity and a significant death rate. In the Northern Hemisphere 100 million people are infected with the influenza virus every year – and in South Africa this figure is estimated at 4,7 – 9.4 million people! This translates to 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 3 children potentially being infected with the flu virus.
Many people get confused about what the symptoms of flu are – or incorrectly believe that flu should “just run it's course” and wait too long to get a prescription for this anti-viral drug. It's important to remember that flu develops very rapidly and untreated flu can lead to serious complications – and even death. The illness almost always develops quickly - with high fever, headache, cough or aching limbs within 12 hours. The flu virus replicates very fast, which is why the antiviral drug needs to be taken as early as possible – within 48 hours after symptoms develop.
Thousands of people die from flu each year in South Africa, and Tamiflu might save at least some lives and prevent complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia if it was used properly. While inappropriate use of Tamiflu should be avoided it is equally important that people are able to rapidly assess the likelihood of them having flu by recognizing the difference between a common cold and flu – and getting to their doctor to be prescribed a course of Tamiflu which they can start taking straight away. It is very important that there should be a public education campaign to educate people about the flu – and to tell them about Tamiflu, what it is, what it does, how to get it and how it should be used.

For further information access www.flufacts.com