This year’s flu season is expected to be among the worst in the last decade—with flu-related hospitalizations already higher than normal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One reason is that masking and social distancing requirements over COVID-19 have largely ended.
If you have not already gotten your annual flu shot, now is the time to do so. You can go to a Mount Sinai urgent care center for flu shots. Mount Sinai offers testing and treatment for those who show symptoms or have been exposed to the flu.
If you already caught the flu, there are ways to reduce its effects, such as taking antiviral medications like Tamiflu. However, managing the illness can be complicated, as some medical providers advocate the use of antiviral medications, while others treat flu symptoms and prescribe rest.
Joseph Feldman, MD
As an urgent care physician, Joseph Feldman, MD, Medical Director of Mount Sinai Doctors-Urgent Care, sees many patients with flu-like symptoms who have questions about how to treat their illness. In this Q & A, Dr. Feldman, Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, weighs the pros and cons of the ubiquitous antiviral medication and provides insight on how to best manage the flu so that you and your loved ones are healthy this flu season.
What is Tamiflu and when is it used?
Oseltamivir, also known as Tamiflu, is one of the more well-known antiviral medications that can be used to treat or prevent influenza. It is approved for use in adults, pregnant women, and children as young as two weeks of age. For patients who are otherwise healthy and who present with flu-like symptoms—these include painful body aches and fever coupled with sore throat, cough, congestion, headache, or even an upset stomach—Tamiflu may be an appropriate choice. If taken within 48 hours from the start of symptoms, it may provide some benefit by reducing the amount of time you feel sick.
Tamiflu can also be taken to help prevent the flu. If you or your child has been in close contact with someone who was recently diagnosed with influenza, it might be recommended to take Tamiflu—especially if you did not get the flu vaccine this year.
How effective is Tamiflu?
Unfortunately, the effectiveness of Tamiflu is marginal, as it cannot “cure” the illness. Most studies have shown that the medication will reduce the length of symptoms by only 12 to 24 hours, and if started after two days of symptoms, it does not help at all.
It is important to keep effectiveness in mind, as expectations for Tamiflu are often very high and, frankly, overhyped. The drug is usually taken for five to seven days and, if paying out of pocket, can cost more than $100. It can be challenging to find as it is often out of stock at multiple pharmacies given the high demand. Additionally, as with any medication, Tamiflu has potential side effects which may bring more harm than good. The most common of these are nausea, vomiting, and headaches that could exacerbate pre-existing conditions or lead to worsening dehydration. Other side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction, confusion, abnormal behavior, seizures, and life-threatening rashes, can occur but are extremely rare.
So, do I need the medication?
Maybe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Infectious Disease Society of America recommend Tamiflu for patients who have a higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia that may follow influenza.
These “at risk” patients include:
- Those who are hospitalized
- Pregnant women
- Morbidly obese patients
- Children less than five years of age
- Adults older than 65 years of age
- Patients with chronic heart, neurologic, or respiratory conditions such as asthma or stroke
- Patients with immunosuppressing conditions such as HIV
- Transplant recipients or those with diabetes and/or sickle cell disease
If you or your child fall within any of these categories, it is likely beneficial to take Tamiflu if you test positive for influenza. If you have been exposed to the flu by a close contact and have any of the previously mentioned conditions, it is also recommended that you start Tamiflu to help prevent getting sick.
For those who do not fall into a high-risk category, the decision to take Tamiflu should be made in conjunction with your health care provider. There are many times when it may not be worth the cost and the potential side effects.
At Mount Sinai Urgent Care, we are always available to answer any questions so that you can make the most informed decision for yourself and your family.You can walk in without an appointment during our convenient daytime, evening, and weekend hours. We accept most insurance providers.