June 20, 2022

Tamiflu: Is It Best To Help You Fight the Flu?

The antiviral medication can help curb symptoms and shorten recovery time

Two white and blue pills on a wooden surface

We all want to avoid the chills, aching muscles, headache and fever brought on by the flu. Or at least shorten the time we spend in bed with it.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

So, the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), which helps your body bounce back faster from the flu, holds a lot of appeal. Family medicine specialist Daniel Allan, MD, explains key points of Tamiflu, including how it works, side effects and if you should consider it.

What is Tamiflu?

Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, is an oral antiviral drug used to prevent and treat certain kinds of influenza, aka the flu. It’s prescription-only, which means you can only get this medication by visiting your healthcare provider. Be aware, though, for it to be effective, you must start it within 48 hours of feeling any symptoms. Once prescribed, you’ll take it twice a day for five days.

What does it do?

Tamiflu interferes with the proteins the flu virus uses to reproduce, giving your immune system time to destroy it. “Tamiflu can be used to prevent infection if taken shortly after exposure,” says Dr. Allan.

But if you’re already sick, it’s also helpful in curbing symptoms and shortening your recovery time.

Researchers find that taking Tamiflu within 48 hours of symptom onset can shave approximately one day off a typical seven-to-10-day illness. A more recent study showed that in patients aged 65 years and older (who had more severe illness and other health conditions), up to two to three days could be trimmed using Tamiflu.

Advertisement

What it doesn’t do

While Tamiflu works in fighting influenza, Dr. Allan warns that it doesn’t work for other viral infections like the common cold or COVID-19. Additionally, it doesn’t fight bacterial infections.

Who should take Tamiflu?

“Tamiflu is best for those who are at higher risk, such as people with immune issues or lung problems,” he says. Some of those include:

  • Diabetes.
  • Asthma or other respiratory disorders.
  • Liver, blood or neurological conditions.
  • Heart disease or chronic kidney disease.
  • It’s also a possible option for those who are significantly overweight.

Even if you don’t meet these criteria, talk to your healthcare provider, as there may be other reasons why it’s good for you to have a prescription.

“Even a healthier person might feel taking it is worthwhile, as it shortens the illness and lessens the risk of complications,” notes Dr. Allan. It may also reduce the risk of infecting others — like young children or older adults, especially during a flu epidemic.

Side effects and risks

Some more moderate side effects of Tamiflu include:

Advertisement
  • Diarrhea.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain.

Dr. Allan says you should immediately contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects, including:

  • Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, and swelling of your face, lips or tongue.
  • Anxiety, confusion or unusual behavior.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Hallucination or loss of contact with reality.
  • Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of your skin, including inside of your mouth.
  • Seizures.

Preventing the need for Tamiflu

Better than any remedy, though, is taking steps to avoid the flu, and that begins with getting a flu shot. “Getting your flu shot annually reduces your risk of ever getting the flu, but also lessens the severity of the illness should you still get it,” encourages Dr. Allan.

That’s the most important message for flu season, he believes: Get the influenza vaccine each year. It helps you stay well and helps everyone around you, too. People who are sick won’t pass the virus on to family, friends, coworkers or patients and staff at their doctor’s office.

And getting a flu shot won’t keep you in bed, missing work and being miserable for days at a time like having the flu will.

Related Articles

Two people standing in the cold.
November 29, 2023
10 Colds Not To Catch This Winter

The flu, RSV, COVID-19, pneumonia and more typically circulate during cold weather months

Two people wear face masks as snow falls around them.
October 25, 2022
Prepping for Flurona and a Twindemic (COVID-19 and the Flu)

Take extra care this season by treating flu-like symptoms as if you have COVID-19

Person is getting a flu shot at a clinic by a nurse.
July 28, 2022
Can the Flu Shot Give You the Flu?

The vaccine is a safe, effective way to prevent influenza — and it won’t give you the virus

concerned wife takes husbands temperature flu season heart
July 25, 2022
Can the Flu Trigger a Heart Attack?

Inflammation caused by the influenza virus can lead to deadly heart complications

woman with cold drinking fluids
October 25, 2021
What To Eat When You Have the Flu

These nutritious foods will help your body to better fight the flu

Sick before flu shot
October 22, 2021
Is Getting a Flu Shot While Sick Risky?

Here's when you should — and shouldn't — postpone your annual flu shot

man sick with fever on couch
September 30, 2021
Flu vs. COVID-19: Can You Tell the Difference?

They have many overlapping symptoms but some key differences

covidColdFlu3-1130760499-770×533
September 10, 2021
Is It COVID-19, a Cold or Seasonal Allergies?

How to tell the difference with overlapping symptoms

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad