Choosing the right antiviral treatment may be confusing and understanding how some of the available antivirals used for treating flu work can help in deciding. Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza (Zanamivir) belong to a class of antiviral medications known as Viral Neuraminidase inhibitors and are some of the current available flu medications.
Viral Neuraminidase is an enzyme that helps the virus in many ways. After a virus is inhaled, neuraminidase helps the virus penetrate into the cells that line our respiratory tract and cause disease. It promotes the release of virions from infected cells thereby facilitating the spread of the virus to other healthy cells. It also prevents inactivation of the virus by our respiratory mucus. It alters other functions of cells and the immune response causing damage to our cells.
Neuraminidase inhibitors like Tamiflu and Relenza selectively inhibit viral neuraminidase of influenza A, B, and H1N1 Influenza A “Swine Influenza”, while sparing the human neuraminidase which is important for our body’s normal function. These medications are used as a prophylaxis to prevent influenza or to shorten the duration of influenza if taken within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms. Tamiflu comes in an oral capsule and in an oral suspension form, while Relenza comes in an oral inhalation dosage form. An advantage of Relenza is that due to its mode of administration, by inhaling the powder into the lungs, it provides a high drug concentration at the site of infection, which may increase its antiviral effects and lower the chances of resistance. Other good practices in the treatment of viral flu are to maintain good hydration, and refrain from physical activity in order to decrease stress on the immune system.
There are some contraindications & precautions associated with taking these medications so always consult with your physician to see which therapy would work best for you.
