Is Tamiflu Right for You?

We all want to avoid the aching muscles, headache and fever brought on by the flu. Or at least shorten the time we spend in bed with it. So, the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), which can help your body bounce back from the flu faster, may sound appealing.

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Infectious disease specialist Dhatri Kotekal, DO, shares what you need to know about taking Tamiflu for the flu — including how it works, side effects and whether it’s right for you.

What is Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is one of the oral antiviral drugs used to prevent and treat influenza, aka the flu. It’s a prescription-only medication, which means you can only get it by visiting a healthcare provider.

Tamiflu interferes with the proteins the flu virus uses to reproduce, giving your immune system time to destroy it.

“Tamiflu can also be used to prevent infection if taken shortly after exposure,” Dr. Kotekal says.

But if you’re already sick, it can also help curb symptoms and shorten your recovery time. (More on that in a bit.)

When should you take it?

For Tamiflu 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.

Tamiflu can cause nausea and vomiting, so Dr. Kotekal recommends taking it with a meal.

Who benefits the most from Tamiflu?

Tamiflu can be very helpful, but it’s not for everyone.

“Tamiflu is best for those who are at higher risk,” Dr. Kotekal clarifies. That list includes if you’re immunocompromised, over 65, pregnant or have health conditions like:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Respiratory conditions
Liver disease
Blood disorders
Neurological conditions
Kidney disease
Obesity

Even if you don’t meet these criteria, talk to a healthcare provider.

“Taking Tamiflu may still be worthwhile, even if you’re otherwise healthy, as it shortens the illness and lessens the risk of complications,” she adds.

Can Tamiflu make the flu go away faster?

If you take Tamiflu within 48 hours of symptom onset, it could shorten your illness by up to a day and reduce your risk of certain complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma exacerbations and more. Dr. Kotekal says it may also prevent hospitalization in people with a high risk of complications.

Bottom line? Tamiflu doesn’t guarantee a faster recovery or prevent all flu complications. But if it’s a good fit for you, it may help stack the deck in your favor.

Can you take Tamiflu after being exposed to the flu?

Tamiflu helps shorten the flu, but it’s also a prophylactic medication. That means your doctor may prescribe it if you’re exposed to someone with the flu to reduce your odds of getting sick.

“We usually give people Tamiflu to prevent illness if you’re at high risk for complications or you’re caring for somebody who’s sick,” Dr. Kotekal says.

How long are you contagious on Tamiflu?

It’s possible that taking Tamiflu may slightly shorten the window during which you can spread the influenza virus to others, but it’s best to assume you’re contagious.

“You become contagious about a day before your symptoms start,” Dr. Kotekal explains. “And you’ll likely stay contagious for the next five to seven days with symptoms — even if you’re on Tamiflu.”

She adds that Tamiflu is no substitute for rest. So, stay home and focus on your recovery.

“If you live with other people, they might be good candidates for Tamiflu, too,” Dr. Kotekal notes. “If they’re interested, encourage them to talk to their primary care provider.”

Can you take it with other cold and flu medication?

Tamiflu is generally safe to take with over-the-counter cold and flu medications. But always double-check with your provider or pharmacist first.

“If you take other medications or have certain conditions, like high blood pressure or a thyroid condition, some over-the-counter options are safer than others, regardless of whether you’re on Tamiflu,” Dr. Kotekal states.

Prevention is the best medicine

Tamiflu may or may not be the right choice for you. But it’s always a good idea to take flu-prevention steps, like:

Washing your hands
Practicing good cough etiquette
Staying home when sick
Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, like doorknobs and countertops

Studies show that getting an annual flu vaccine can reduce your risk of getting the virus — and lessen the severity of the illness, if you still get sick.

“Our hope is that you get through respiratory season without needing Tamiflu or any other antiviral drug,” Dr. Kotekal says. “But it’s reassuring to know it’s there if you need it.”