Does Tamiflu work on all strains of flu?

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that blocks influenza A and B by attacking the virus and stopping it from multiplying, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tamiflu does not work on other viruses or bacterial infections.

Is flu A or B better?

Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza. This is because the symptoms are often more severe in type A influenza than in type B influenza. Type A influenza is more common than type B influenza. Researchers suggest that most adults have considerable immunity against type B influenza.

Is influenza A the same as influenza B?

Unlike type A flu viruses, type B flu is found only in humans. Type B flu may cause a less severe reaction than type A flu virus, but occasionally, type B flu can still be extremely harmful. Influenza type B viruses are not classified by subtype and do not cause pandemics.

How is influenza A different than B?

Influenza B almost exclusively infects humans and is less common than influenza A. Flu type B also mutates about two to three times more slowly than influenza A. Because humans are the natural host of influenza B, pandemics generally do not occur with influenza B viruses.

How many days does Tamiflu shorten the flu?

Tamiflu can lessen symptoms and make flu illness one to two days shorter, the CDC says. It can also help prevent flu illness in people who have come into close contact with a flu patient.

Is Tamiflu worth taking?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Infectious Disease Society of America recommend Tamiflu for patients who have a higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia that may follow influenza. These “at risk” patients include: Those who are hospitalized.

Is there any downside to taking Tamiflu?

Q: Are there any downsides to taking this medication? A: Typically, Tamiflu costs between $35 and $45, depending on your insurance. And the potential side effects can include moderate to modest nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. So you have to weigh how much that one day means to you.