Is Tamiflu Worth the Danger?
Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is approved for treatment of uncomplicated influenza A and B in children 1 year of age or older. It is also approved for prevention of influenza in people 13 years or older. It is part of a group of anti-influenza drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors, which work by blocking a viral enzyme that helps the influenza virus to invade cells in your respiratory tract. Now, here’s the real kicker. When used as directed (twice daily for 5 days) Tamiflu can ONLY reduce the duration of your influenza symptoms by 1 to 1 ½ days, according to the official data. That’s it! However, some patients with influenza are at HIGHER risk for secondary bacterial infections when on Tamiflu. Which would, well, defeat the plan of being able to jump out of bed a day sooner. The truth is, these drugs work poorly or not at all. And, with a price tag of between $135 to $190 for a one-week prescription of Tamiflu, it’s the 21st Century version of phony snake oil. For most people, the f
