Are there any medicines to fight swine flu?

Yes.

There is currently an antiviral drug that blocks the influenza h1n1 virus from spreading between the cells of the organism. It is called Oseltamivir and it was developed by US-based biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences.

It is now distributed by Hoffman-La Roche under the trade name Tamiflu and it can be bought in any local drugstore {Although there is lack of Tamiflu in the most affected and poor countries)

It can be administered orally in the form of capsules -which contain oseltamivir phosphate 98.5 mg equivalent to oseltamivir 75 mg) or as a powder (oseltamivir phosphate equivalent to oseltamivir 12 mg/ml).

There are very few cases of advert reactions (about 1% of the clinical trial patients) and may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. You should always consult your personal doctor. Do not self-administer without previous consultation.

Can I take Tamiflu as a preventive measure?

It is not advised. Preventive medication might required for very special circumstances. Such as ER workers or persons with pre-existent respiratory conditions or with immunodeficiency states. As the time of effectiveness is limited, the preventive use of anti-viral medications is not advised for the general public.

You may ask: Which preventions could I take?