tamiflu doesn't do much

Anonymous wrote:I'm pretty sure I'd not give tamiflu again either. My son had hallucinations after taking it the last time. Yes, I know, hallucinations better than dying, but ...

If your child had already had a seizure, you wouldn’t give the flu drug? I find that hard to picture.

Anonymous wrote:I'm pretty sure I'd not give tamiflu again either. My son had hallucinations after taking it the last time. Yes, I know, hallucinations better than dying, but ...

There are at least two other antivirals now available for flu, though doctors sometimes don't offer them unless asked. Ask for one of those next time in place of Tamiflu especially since you know Tamiflu is tough on your son.

For those who say, well, why use any antiviral if they only shorten the duration by a day: In someone who is potentially susceptible to serious complications from flu, like a young child, shaving a day off the duration could be important. One less day when fluid is building in the lungs, for instance. Getting better a day sooner could help arrest the start of a downward spiral.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think Tamiflu would save a 4 year old since they aren't generally prescribed those anyway. Why would a doc prescribe this to a 4 yo who wasn't immunocompromised or had some other factor? My doc said 2 and under or elderly and it only shortens teh duration. Sounds like some advil and a trip to the hospital earlier would've helped.

Your information on Tamiflu is out of date.

This is heartbreaking. We gave our child tamiflu and I would do it again. I can't imagine taking this kind of risk.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think Tamiflu would save a 4 year old since they aren't generally prescribed those anyway. Why would a doc prescribe this to a 4 yo who wasn't immunocompromised or had some other factor? My doc said 2 and under or elderly and it only shortens teh duration. Sounds like some advil and a trip to the hospital earlier would've helped.

Sounds like you are guilty of the new wave of "my baseless opinion is as good or better than that of an actual expert's. "

Anonymous wrote:I don't think Tamiflu would save a 4 year old since they aren't generally prescribed those anyway. Why would a doc prescribe this to a 4 yo who wasn't immunocompromised or had some other factor? My doc said 2 and under or elderly and it only shortens teh duration. Sounds like some advil and a trip to the hospital earlier would've helped.

The article says it was prescribed and the mother refused to fill the prescription.

I don't think Tamiflu would save a 4 year old since they aren't generally prescribed those anyway. Why would a doc prescribe this to a 4 yo who wasn't immunocompromised or had some other factor? My doc said 2 and under or elderly and it only shortens teh duration. Sounds like some advil and a trip to the hospital earlier would've helped.

Anonymous wrote:I'm pretty sure I'd not give tamiflu again either. My son had hallucinations after taking it the last time. Yes, I know, hallucinations better than dying, but ...

But what? Kids die from the flu. Medications have side effects. Hallucinations seem like a small price to pay for saving your child's life.

I’m sure that same doctor encouraged a flu shot too. Sad all around. Trusting word of mouth and online posts over a medical doctor is a fool’s errand.

Tamiflu can prevent a case of flu from being more severe. These "opinions" (not based in science) is propagating severe, critical illness and death.

You know, I'm generally considered stupid. I barely passed biology in high school, couldn't pass biology in community college, and generally don't understand a lot. But if I need medical advice, I'm smart enough to find an actual board-certified doctor. These people are NUTS.

IMO the biggest problem was that he wasn’t vaccinated. And Tamiflu isn’t a magic bullet - we don’t know if it would have saved him or not.

I'm pretty sure I'd not give tamiflu again either. My son had hallucinations after taking it the last time. Yes, I know, hallucinations better than dying, but ...