Influenza

Protect yourself from influenza and be prepared.

Medications can offer prevention and relief from the flu.

Influenza is most commonly known as ‘the flu’, but it shouldn’t be confused with the common cold. Influenza is an airborne disease that can affect your respiratory tract and can lead to very serious health complications. The common symptoms are fever, chills, coughing, headaches, a runny nose and a sore throat. While most people can fight the virus over time, it can also weaken your immune system, posing a threat to those with underlying health conditions.

The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. If you think you are at risk of contracting the virus, or are experiencing the early symptoms of influenza, you can take steps to protect yourself against it. Effective influenza treatments, such as Tamiflu and Relenza, can help to fight the virus while reducing symptoms and shortening recovery time.

What causes influenza?

There are three different types of the influenza virus: strains A, B and C. Type C is considered gentle and rarely causes severe symptoms or a real risk to your health. Strains A and B however, are the most likely to cause more serious flu symptoms. These viruses change and mutate very quickly, and new strains quickly develop and spread. New forms of influenza A break out every two to three years, while new strains of influenza B spread every three to five years.

Do I need to protect myself against seasonal flu?

Influenza is extremely uncomfortable, with symptoms such as headaches, a stuffy nose, sort throat, chills and coughing preventing you from going about your daily routine. Most people are able to fight it off over time and will gradually see the main symptoms decrease after a week, with minor symptoms sometimes taking longer to alleviate. If you want to avoid suffering from these symptoms and spending days sick at home, an influenza treatment would be advised.

If you have a more serious health concern, an influenza treatment may well be essential to protect you from the worst effects of the condition. Those over 65 and those suffering health complications, particularly conditions affecting their heart or lungs, could be at risk. If you fall into one of these risk groups, taking an influenza treatment as soon as you notice symptoms, or become exposed to someone with the virus, is essential.

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a particularly virulent form of the H1N1 virus. It was first noticed in pigs, hence its name, but it has now mutated into a form which can infect humans. Swine flu was first contracted in Mexico, but it spread across the globe very quickly, and was labelled a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Although the situation seemed serious, the virus ultimately did not pose a serious threat to most of those who became infected.

The most popular way to treat and prevent the virus is to take an anti-viral treatment. Anti-virals stop the virus from multiplying in your system, and stop it from spreading. There are two popular anti-viral medications, Tamiflu and Relenza, which are both effective influenza treatments.

You can take Tamiflu or Relenza if you come into contact with someone with the flu, or if you begin to notice the early symptoms. Both are much more effective the sooner you take them, which should ideally be within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing. Tamiflu is an oral medication, while Relenza is taken through an inhaler.

Can I order an influenza treatment online?

You can buy influenza treatments online after you take an online consultation. This process is simple to undertake and is totally confidential. When you choose your medication, you will be asked to fill out a short set of medical questions. These questions will be reviewed by our doctor, so that they are able to make an effective diagnosis. If this medication is considered safe for you to use and you are suitable for this treatment, your order will be approved and dispatched for overnight delivery.