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Tamiflu (oseltamivir) should only be taken if prescribed by a registered doctor. It can be prescribed to treat or prevent influenza. It inhibits enzymes in the influenza virus which stop the virus from reproducing and spreading. This shortens and reduces the severity of Flu if Tamiflu is taken within 2 days of the start of symptoms and can prevent infection in the first place if taken when Flu is in your area.
When the flu virus enters the human body it infects cells in the airways and replicates to form new infected cells of the virus.
The new infected cells of the influenza virus move on to infect neighbouring cells and so on. After a few days enough cells have been infected that the person feels flu symptoms such as headache, fever, body aches and pains. These continue for about a week until the body's own immune system kills the virus.
In order to leave one cell and infect another, the influenza virus uses a chemical helper that is found on its surface. This substance is an enzyme called neuraminidase. Without it, newly formed copies of the virus can't leave the infected cells to infect other cells.
Tamiflu works by binding to the neuraminidase on the surface of the virus and stopping it from working. This prevents the flu virus from spreading and infecting other cells and so confines the infection to a smaller area. This makes the symptoms of the infection less severe and also makes it is easier for the body's own immune system to kill the virus.
If you are taking other medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding or have problems with your kidneys, you should ensure your doctor knows before he prescribes tamiflu. Tamiflu can be taken with paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin.