For people who cannot take flu vaccine or who failed to get vaccine protection in time and face a high risk of serious complications from the flu, there are two antiviral drugs—amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel) and rimantidine hydrochloride (Flumadine)— that can help to prevent infection by the type A flu virus, the most deadly one. These drugs are also helpful for people who took the vaccine but need extra protection, such as elderly people with heart or lung disease.
The drugs prevent type A flu viruses (but not type В viruses) from multiplying in the body. They are about 75 to 80 percent effective in preventing type A influenza, the type of flu that results in the most serious complications. However, to be effective, they must be taken daily before a flu outbreak begins and throughout the entire flu season since, unlike the vaccine, they have no lasting effect. In addition to their preventive value, the drugs may help shorten the course of an attack of type A influenza among people who should have been vaccinated but weren’t.
The drugs have some side effects that unfortunately are more frequent in people over sixty-five, the group most in need of protection. Typical side effects involve the central nervous system: difficulty sleeping, tremulousness, depression or confusion. However, these effects are usually mild and often go away while the medication is still being taken.
*19\296\2*

Random Posts

• THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING – INTRODUCTION
• MEASURES TO BE TAKEN FOR HYPERTENSION PREVENTION
• ABOUT CHOLESTEROL: ESSENTIAL SHOPPING LIST TO PROTECT YOUR HEART
• HOW TO SEDUCE THE PERSON OF CREATIVE STYLE
• HYSSOP: USING
• OBESITY – INTRODUCTION
• AFTER CANCER: RECURRENCE
• INTERMEDIATE SYMPTOMS OF THE MENOPAUSE
• ARTHRITIS BEATEN TODAY: PRODUCT CERTIFICATION
• SEX AND PUBERTY: VIRUS INFECTION