Fighting the Flu

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 2 of 2)

Other Flu Fighters

While the FDA-licensed vaccination is the chief method of preventing infection, one prescription medication, Tamiflu, can help prevent influenza types A and B.

FDA first approved Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), a capsule, in 1999 to help lessen flu symptoms and duration in adults. Then in November 2000 the agency approved Tamiflu as an influenza prophylaxis (preventive) in adults and adolescents 13 years and older. To be effective in preventing influenza infection, the drug must be taken when a person is first exposed to others suffering from the flu. If someone in the home gets the flu, other family members can possibly avoid getting it by taking Tamiflu daily for at least seven days. The drug can be taken for up to six weeks by a person exposed to the flu because of an outbreak in the community.

Relenza (zanamivir), an inhaled powder, approved in 1999 for adults and children aged seven years and older, can also reduce the length and severity of the flu. Like Tamiflu, Relenza must be taken within the first two days after symptoms begin.

Relenza's labeling has been updated recently to emphasize the possibility of bronchospasm (wheezing) or serious breathing problems in some patients taking the drug. Because of the risk of these side effects, Relenza is not generally recommended for people with chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma, nor for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These conditions should be discussed with a health-care provider before taking the drug.

Two other drugs, Symmetrel (amantadine) and Flumadine (rimantadine), available in tablets or syrup, are approved to prevent and treat the symptoms of influenza A virus only. Symmetrel, approved in 1968, can be used to help prevent and treat influenza A virus in both adults and children. Flumadine, approved in 1993, can be used to prevent and treat influenza A virus in adults, and to prevent (but not to treat the symptoms of) influenza A virus in children. Both Symmetrel and Flumadine have the potential for causing serious central nervous system side effects. Although these drugs may be used by otherwise healthy people to prevent and treat influenza A virus infections, both are usually reserved for use in more closely monitored situations, such as in nursing homes. Treating Yourself

Flu sufferers should drink fluids, try to eat, and get plenty of rest, says Lambert. Your body is trying to attack the virus, and it takes energy to do that.

While fluids, nutrients, and rest are important elements to curing the flu, over-the-counter medications can help relieve some of the symptoms. "OTC cough-cold products can make you more comfortable," says Debbie Lumpkins, a microbiologist with FDA's division of over-the-counter drug products. "They are intended to treat the symptoms of minor conditions, not to treat the underlying illness."

There are many cough-cold products on the market that contain a variety of ingredients. It's important to check the ingredients listed on the label, says FDA, to make sure that the product does not contain phenylpropanolamine because researchers have found an association between phenylpropanolamine and hemorrhagic stroke. Although the risk of stroke is low, FDA believes that the conditions for which these products are used do not appear to warrant the risk for using this drug. (See article about the public health advisory on this ingredient in this issue.)

Children and teenagers with symptoms of flu or chickenpox should not take aspirin or products containing aspirin or other salicylates. Use of these products in young flu and chickenpox sufferers has been associated with Reye syndrome, a rare condition that can be fatal. Be sure to check the label of a product to make sure it doesn't contain aspirin or other salicylates.

"In the future, consumers may have alternatives to the flu shot," says Lambert, "including needle-free vaccinations such as a nasal spray or a skin patch." Major pharmaceutical companies, in cooperation with scientists representing the National Institutes of Health, FDA's CBER, and academia, are continuing to investigate ways to make even more protective vaccines.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.