The flu, flare ups and Tamiflu

[jumpinjiminy]

Despite an attempt to keep from catching the flu this year by getting my first ever flu vaccine, I did indeed end up catching it twice. Both times came with bothersome symptom flare ups that went on for days to weeks afterward. I *know* when I'm coming down with it right away, as it always hits me in the same place first every time. I can feel the fluid building up at the base of my throat and upper chest. It proceeds to progress from there and I'm usually sick for at least a week, sometimes two.

Have you ever asked your doc for Tamiflu at the beginning of coming down with it, and does it help prevent a flare up with the flu? When I see my doc next, I'm going to ask about possibly getting a script for this next time I feel it coming on.

[jumpinjiminy]

:-) Thanks. Always working on that one.

[Lulu54]

I'm glad they worked that out for you - now stay healthy, ok?

[jumpinjiminy]

Just wanted to update on this fyi. Doc said it wouldn't be any problem to keep a dose pack on hand so we could hit it with both antivirals and steroids right away next time. He even offered to have me come in for a solumedrol injection if needed. :-) It sounded like this is a pretty typical process in the office for anyone with issues that get aggravated by the seasonal bugs - probably asthma or COPD type stuff, or maybe lupus. I guess that would be one benefit to not having a formal dx. There is no standard treatment protocol for every little thing that happens.

Thanks, Lulu. It did sort of answer my question as far as the timing goes. All we can do is try it. I used Tamiflu once because I got exposed and felt it coming on before a surgery that had been rescheduled two other times already. It worked like a charm - in combination with Sambucol - and knocked it right out of my system.  

[Lulu54]

My son and his family just went through the flu in their home He and the baby had the tamiflu because it was within 24 hours of exposure to the flu bugs, but they had also had the flu vaccine (mist for her, shot for him).  Mom wasn't so lucky - she had been exposed over 24 hours and coming down with it already and the doctors wouldn't give her the tamiflu.  The other two girls got sick to varying degrees. The three that were sick didn't have the flu vaccine or eligible for the tamiflu.

I hope this sort of answers your question.   I know it you get the flu and have MS it can be one lengthy recovery period.

be well,
L

[SarahL2491]

I had Tamiflu once while working in a nursing home and only because i was the only charge nurse there at night.  It was a precaution for me.  I did NOT have the flu and did not want it.  

I do not know when it is supposed to be administered but probably you could google it.........

I've never had the flu (knock on wood) and have never taken the vaccine.  Surely down the road it might catch up with me but my personal convictions just won't let me do it.

Keep us posted on what your doctors says