Can I use antivirals like Tamiflu and Relenza to avoid getting H1N1 (swine flu)?
Tamiflu and Relenza should be used primarily for treatment of people with influenza. In addition, these drugs may be used in people at high risk for severe complications of illness after they are exposed to someone with influenza. • If large numbers of people were to take these drugs for prevention, the virus may develop resistance to them and they could no longer be used to treat sick people. • This disease outbreak could last a long time. If you took these drugs to try to avoid getting sick, you would have to take them possibly for many months. • The Food and Drug Administration has approved the emergency use of an experimental antiviral medication called Peramivir. Peramavir is given through injection. • Antivirals must be prescribed by a health care professional, and should only be used to treat people who are ill or to prevent illness in high-risk situations.
