Do not use Tamiflu without permission when you have the flu.

As the influenza A epidemic increases, many people are interested in Tamiflu, considering it a drug that 'prevents serious complications' of the flu; however, doctors warn that not everyone needs to use this drug.

Children with flu treated in hospital.

Do not use drugs arbitrarily

Currently, the weather in the North is in the transitional season, causing many types of viruses that cause respiratory diseases to increase, especially influenza A. At Hanoi Children's Hospital, recently, the number of children with influenza A and some other respiratory diseases admitted for treatment has increased; many of which have severe progression, requiring ventilators or recorded neurological complications.

According to doctors, for children, influenza A is not simply seasonal flu, but can lead to dangerous complications. Although the flu in children is mostly mild, some cases can cause dangerous complications, such as: severe pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, respiratory failure, multiple organ damage... In particular, young children, people with underlying diseases, and immunodeficiency are at high risk of severe complications when infected with the flu.

While the influenza A epidemic is spreading rapidly, many people are also interested in using Tamiflu for treatment with the hope of "getting over the flu quickly without serious complications". However, according to doctors, Tamiflu cannot be used arbitrarily, it must be used at the right time, on the right subject, and in the right dosage...

Regarding the fact that many people arbitrarily buy and use Tamiflu, Dr. Nguyen Sy Duc, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hanoi Children's Hospital said: "Tamiflu is a drug containing Oseltamivir, which is a specific treatment for patients with influenza A. However, not all patients with influenza need to use Tamiflu. Patients with underlying medical conditions, the elderly, children, especially those under 2 years old, should use Tamiflu to treat the flu; as for patients over 5 years old, young and healthy people, there is no need to use it, patients can recover after 3-5 days".

According to Dr. Nguyen Sy Duc, in fact, using Tamiflu early will help reduce flu symptoms such as: The child's fever will be shorter, reducing the risk of serious complications in children. Especially in children under 5 years old, children at risk, the early use of Tamiflu plays a very important role. In particular, using this medicine as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours from the onset of fever. However, the use of this medicine requires appropriate doctor's prescription.

Tamiflu is being sought after by many people.

Be alert for severe symptoms of influenza A

Doctors warn that flu, especially influenza A, is quite dangerous for children, so parents need to be proactive in preventing the disease for their children, especially at the present time. In cold weather, children need to be kept warm, ensure nutrition and get enough sleep; wash hands regularly, and wear masks when going to crowded places.

In particular, when children show signs of high fever, severe cough, fatigue or convulsions, drowsiness, they should be taken to a medical facility immediately. Do not arbitrarily use fever-reducing or antiviral drugs, or Tamiflu at home to treat the flu.

According to Dr. Nguyen Sy Duc, usually, to diagnose influenza A, we can rely on epidemiological factors such as: Children have contact with people with influenza A, have symptoms such as continuous high fever, cough, sneezing. Children will be tested quickly to diagnose influenza, if the result is positive, they will be diagnosed with influenza A. Children with continuous high fever, signs of respiratory tract infection need to go to medical facilities for timely treatment.

For children with influenza A treated at home, parents need to know how to safely reduce fever, rehydrate and provide nutrition, maintain respiratory hygiene and recognize dangerous signs for children.

Specifically, when caring for children at home, parents need to know how to monitor their children's daily symptoms such as: measuring their body temperature 2-3 times/day or when they feel feverish; observing their breathing rate, alertness, and eating; monitoring symptoms of cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

To reduce fever in children, parents can give their children Paracetamol at the correct dose as directed by the doctor; use Ibuprofen alternately to reduce fever in children as directed by the doctor (do not use Ibuprofen without being diagnosed with flu or ruling out Dengue fever); apply warm compresses when the child has a high fever; dress the child loosely, do not wrap them too tightly.

Give your child plenty of fluids such as: filtered water, properly mixed Oresol, diluted fruit juice, soup, thin porridge. Young children need to breastfeed more; divide meals into small, soft, easy-to-digest meals; avoid carbonated drinks, soft drinks, and greasy foods.

Parents can clean their children's respiratory tract by: Dropping 0.9% saline into the nose 2-4 times/day; suctioning the child's nose if there is a lot of discharge; gargling with salt water (if the child knows how to gargle); using a cold air humidifier in the room (if available) to reduce dry throat.

When children have the flu, parents need to let them rest a lot, get enough sleep; stay in a well-ventilated room, avoid direct drafts; avoid letting children come into contact with other people, especially other children or the elderly. People caring for flu patients need to wear masks and wash their hands before and after contact.

With the antiviral drug Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) only use when prescribed by a doctor; do not buy it on your own or use an inappropriate dose.

The doctor also noted that parents need to take their children with flu to the hospital immediately when there are dangerous signs such as: Fever above 39 degrees Celsius lasting more than 48 hours or fever returning after it has subsided; children are very tired, lethargic, irritable, difficult to comfort; children breathe quickly, have difficulty breathing, chest retraction, purple lips or extremities; vomit a lot, cannot retain water, severe diarrhea; children refuse to breastfeed, refuse to eat or drink, urinate little. In particular, when children show signs of convulsions, lethargy; chest pain, severe headache, especially suspected pneumonia with symptoms such as increased cough, wheezing, green or thick yellow phlegm... need to take the child to the doctor promptly to avoid serious complications.

According to VNA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/khong-tu-y-dung-thuoc-tamiflu-khi-mac-cum-528495.html