There is an increase in swine flu cases in the country, and this virus is actively spreading in regions such as Delhi, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Isolation wards have already been prepared in hospitals, and the Ministry of Health is remaining vigilant regarding this situation.
Concurrently, sales of the drug Oseltamivir (known as Tamiflu) for treating swine flu have suddenly risen. The number of people purchasing this medication from pharmacies is constantly growing. ICMR has also recommended that Tamiflu be taken under a doctor's prescription by patients with severe swine flu.
Kailash Gupta, president of the All India Drug Association, reported the increased demand for the drug. He noted that just a month ago, sales were extremely low, but now they have increased manifold. Patients are coming to various pharmacies daily to purchase this medicine. Due to the growing consumption, orders for the drug are being placed in larger quantities. According to Kailash Gupta, the increased demand has been observed for the last fifteen days, with most buyers doing so on a doctor's prescription.
Dr. Dipak Suman from Delhi Safdarjung Hospital explained that Tamiflu is an antiviral drug dispensed by prescription. It is used for the prevention and treatment of influenza. The drug blocks a protein called neuraminidase found on the surface of the virus. Taking this medicine helps prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body and hinders its transmission from one person to another. This gives the patient's body a greater chance to fight the infection. ICMR also emphasized that patients with severe swine flu can take Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) after consulting a doctor.
It is important to note that this drug is ineffective against the common cold or bacterial infections. Therefore, people with a regular cough or runny nose should avoid taking this medicine, nor should they take it for fever or sore throat infection. Tamiflu should only be taken upon a doctor's recommendation if a swine flu test comes back positive when symptoms appear. The drug shows maximum effectiveness if started within the first 48 hours (two days) of symptom onset.
ICMR has also provided information on who should take the medication and who should be vaccinated against swine flu. According to ICMR data, vaccination is not required for absolutely everyone. People in high-risk groups, especially those over 65 years old, may receive the vaccine after consulting a doctor.