My husband is caring for a swine flu patient. Should he take preventive care?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 46-year-old husband is caring for a sick relative who is in the hospital. As per the reports received today, the relative has been diagnosed with H1N1. Should my husband take any preventive medicines so that he does not get the virus? I heard that Tamiflu can be taken as a preventive medicine. What is the dosage and duration of this drug when it is used for prevention purposes?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) can be taken as prophylaxis in this case. I suggest a dose of 75 mg once a day for at least 10 days in the absence of any renal or liver derangements. Consult your physician, discuss with him or her, and start taking the medicines with their consent. I would also suggest you report to a physician in the event of unexplained fever, running nose, or a headache that does not respond to Paracetamol.

Thanks.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Some common side effects after taking Tamiflu are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (due to mild gastric intolerance), headache, sleep problems, and cough. One major complication could be allergic reactions, in which case it should be immediately discontinued, but it is usually rare.

Thanks.