from what i understand , tamiflu should NOT be used as a prophylactic but MUST be used within the first 48 hours of onset of a flu RESPONDING to tamiflu .
i recall speaking to our family physician about that when tamiflu became available .
his point was that even as a physician he would likely NOT know if the symptoms of patient would tell him if tamiflu would be the appropriate medication .
and there is some some fear that widespread use of tamiflu would have similar results as the overuse of antibiotics - tamiflu resistant strains would develop more quickly .
http://nyp.org/news/hospital/934.html
from the report :
Quote: Personal Stockpiling May Lead to Tamiflu-Resistant Influenza
NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell's Dr. Anne Moscona Publishes Second Influenza Article in New England Journal of Medicine
NEW YORK (Dec 16, 2005)
A perspective article in the December 22 New England Journal of Medicine by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center's Dr. Anne Moscona explores why personal stockpiles and improper use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may cause drug-resistant strains of influenza to surface. This report is troubling news as Tamiflu, one of only two neuraminidase inhibitors available to combat seasonal as well as avian influenza, is beginning to appear less than infallible.
