Risks of using antiviral drugs to treat flu without prescription

Demand for Tamiflu, one of the antiviral flu drugs, has increased sharply in recent times.

However, medical experts warn that using drugs without a doctor's prescription can cause many serious consequences.

According to pharmacist Chau Thanh Tu, Pharmaceutical Professional Council,FPT Long Chau Pharmacy System, the demand for Tamiflu in recent days has increased 7 times compared to normal days, leading to a drug shortage.

However, pharmacist Tu also recommends that people should not stockpile Tamiflu unnecessarily, because using this drug is not always necessary, especially for mild flu.

Tamiflu is only really effective when used for patients with severe flu or those at high risk of severe complications.

Self-medication can lead to many unwanted side effects, harm your health, and especially, can cause drug resistance. This will make it difficult to treat flu in the future.

People should not stockpile Tamiflu unnecessarily, as its use is not always necessary, especially for mild flu.

Unnecessary hoarding of drugs can also lead to drug shortages for patients who really need treatment. Especially in the context of the complicated seasonal flu epidemic, the correct and reasonable use of drugs will help minimize the risk of complications and protect public health.

To prevent the flu, according to Dr. Dong Phu Khiem, Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Center, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of getting sick, especially for patients with risk factors such as the elderly or people with underlying medical conditions.

Dr. Khiem emphasized that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that for patients with suspected or confirmed severe influenza, or patients with risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, the use of influenza antiviral drugs as soon as possible is necessary. Oseltamivir is the first choice in this case, if not available, Baloxavir or Peramivir can be used.

Since the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, 2024-2025 could be considered the year of the strongest flu outbreak in many countries.

Dr. Khiem said one of the reasons for the increase in flu outbreaks is favorable weather conditions, including cold temperatures and high humidity, along with increased global trade, which makes it easier for the virus to spread between countries.

However, a notable factor is that the rate of influenza vaccination in the community remains low. This has created a favorable environment for influenza to continue to spread, especially in areas with high population density and air pollution. Although research is still ongoing, experts say the situation may become more complicated in the future.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/nguy-co-khi-tu-y-su-dung-thuoc-khang-virus-trong-dieu-tri-cum-d246166.html