Answers from
The Pharmacists
America Trusts^SM

Answer:Different types of antiviral prescription medications are expected to be helpful for the prevention—as well as the treatment—of bird flu (also called avian influenza or avian flu). Two of these drugs are Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) and Relenza® (zanamivir). According to the World Health Organization, these drugs have been shown in laboratory studies to reduce the severity and duration of seasonal influenza. It is believed they may lessen the severity of bird flu and increase the chance of survival. A key factor to their effectiveness is how quickly the patient receives the medications after symptoms appear.

Other prescription antiviral drugs such as Symmetrel® (amantadine) and Flumadine® (rimantadine) could possibly be used for a bird flu outbreak, but it is thought that resistance to these drugs may occur rapidly. This would therefore reduce the potential effectiveness of these drugs.

Currently, no vaccine is available to prevent bird flu.

Learn more about avian influenza in the Walgreens.com Health Library.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823.