我患流感... 我需要特敏福(Tamiflu)嗎？

(Scroll down for English) 最近我(蕃薯媽媽)發現不少朋友因為流感而不得不取消晚餐約會。雖然上述問題的最終答案由醫生決定（因為這是一種處方藥），但需要考慮某些重點，這些重點可能有助於最大限度地提高您獲得特敏福的機會，或者自己決定您願不願意服用。

從上圖可見，特敏福並不是唯一可用於治療流感的抗病毒藥物。請繼續閱讀下文以找出抗病毒藥物之間的差異。

這是流感嗎？

從前，醫生可能是回答這個問題的最佳人選，但隨著快速檢測的出現，我認為最好在懷疑有流感時在去看醫生之前檢測一次。在我們家裡，我傾向於測試是否有人發高燒（雖然我們還沒有測試出陽性！有時我懷疑這是否因為樣本不足...！）

為什麼要在去看醫生之前先在家測試？

如果您要去私立醫院，他們可能會對您進行全面檢查及治療（儘管預計會為全包套餐支付高額費用）。據我所知，在診所進行快速檢測並不是標準做法。可以要求，但同樣需要額外費用。不會跟自己做的價格一樣。最好的方法是先自行檢測，然後告訴你的醫生結果。

什麼時候是測試的最佳時間？

感覺不適的48小時內，因為抗病毒藥物只有在這個時間內起作用。也就是說，您必須在 48 小時內開始服用。

誰可以服用抗病毒藥物？

根據 CDC的說法（請參閱連結中的表 1），任何年齡的人（包括嬰兒等）都適用，儘管這會根據特定的抗病毒藥物、庫存量以及每個醫生的處方閾值而有所不同。另請參閱抗病毒藥物之間差異的連結。

費用是多少？

根據我在診所的觀察，大約500美元。這通常不在保險範圍內，我懷疑它是否包含在標準診所諮詢費和藥物套餐中。有一次，當一位病人發現自己還要花這麼多錢時，她覺得這不值得。另一方面，另一位母親非常樂意為她的孩子支付額外費用。

- 如果您決定不需要病假並且很樂意自行買成藥服用，請查看我的部落格文章《感冒、流感和 COVID-19 非處方治療提示》 Tips for over-the-counter treatment of cold, flu and COVID-19

最後…

即使您感覺好多了，也要記得完成抗病毒藥物的療程，以防止產生抗藥性（就像抗生素一樣！）

其他相關帖子，包括流感預防：

-         關於日本的鏈球菌性咽喉感染…您該取消假期嗎？

   -預防未顯示症狀的感冒和 COVID-19

-舒緩小朋友和大人感冒和 COVID-19 九個建議

-小朋友和大人感冒和 COVID-19吃什麼藥物?

• 小朋友久咳多痰，應該服用抗生素嗎？

I have Influenza... Do I need Tamiflu?

 Recently I have noticed quite a few friends have had to cancel dinners due to the flu.  While the ultimate answer to the above question is decided by a doctor (as this is a prescription-only drug), there are certain points to consider which may help maximize your chances of getting Tamiflu, or alternatively decide for yourself that you’d rather not.

Note from the picture above that Tamiflu is not the only antiviral available to treat flu.  Keep on reading to find out the differences between antivirals..

Is it flu?

In the olden days, a doctor might be the best person to answer this question, but with the advent of rapid tests, it is far better in my opinion, to take one the minute you suspect flu before going to the doctor.  In our family, I tend to test if anyone has a high fever (though we have yet to test positive!  I sometimes wonder whether this is down to insufficient sample….!)

Why test at home before going to the doctor?

If you are going to a private hospital, they will likely test you & do everything for you (although expect to pay a hefty bill for the all-inclusive package).  From what I have seen, it is not standard practice to administer rapid tests at clinics.  It can be requested, but again, additional cost.  It won’t be the same price as doing it yourself.  The best thing is to do it, then tell your doctor the results.

When is the best time to take the test?

Within 48 hours of feeling unwell, because antivirals only work within this period.  i.e., you have to start taking them within the 48-hour window.

Who can take antivirals?

According to CDC (see Table 1 in link), people of any age (including babies etc.), although this will vary depending on the exact antiviral, what is in stock and each doctor’s threshold for prescribing.  Also see link for differences between antivirals.

What does it cost?

From my observations at clinics, around $500.  This is generally not covered by insurance and I doubt it is included in the standard clinic consultation fee & medicine package.  Once, a patient decided it wasn’t worth it when she discovered how much more she had to fork out.  On the other hand, another mother was perfectly happy to fork out extra for her kids.

-          If you decide that you don’t need sick leave and you’re happy to get your own drugs, check out my blog post on Tips for over-the-counter treatment of cold, flu and COVID-19

And finally…

Remember to finish the course of antivirals, even if you are feeling better, to prevent resistance (just like antibiotics!)

Other relevant posts, including flu prevention:

-          Strep throat infections in Japan…  Should you cancel your holiday?

-       Tips for prevention of cold, flu and COVID-19

-       9 suggestions for holistic treatment of colds for kids & adults

-      Tips for over-the-counter treatment of cold, flu and COVID-19

-      My kid has been coughing for ages...  To give or not to give antibiotics?