According to the latest data released by the National Influenza Center, as of December 22, 2019, most provinces in my country have entered the winter epidemic season, the level of influenza activity continues to rise, and outbreaks are still frequent[1].
Every year at this time, the flu becomes a hot topic, and the "miracle drug" oseltamivir also becomes a best-selling product.
Recently, a new study on oseltamivir was also published in The Lancet, a top international academic journal[2].
The study showed that oseltamivir can accelerate the recovery from influenza-like illnesses.
For patients receiving initial treatment for influenza-like illness, taking oseltamivir, in addition to routine care, can help them recover one day earlier; for older patients, those with more severe illness, or those with longer-lasting symptoms, recovery can be 2-3 days earlier.
As the saying goes, time is life. Early recovery from illness can bring many benefits to patients, and more importantly, it can reduce the occurrence of complications.
This article affirms the efficacy of oseltamivir, but also mentions that the oseltamivir group was more prone to adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting compared to other groups.
Pregnant women are a high-risk and special group for influenza, so the rational use of oseltamivir is of paramount importance.
Today, let's start with the flu and learn about oseltamivir.
What are the differences between the flu and the common cold?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus.
Its characteristics include: sudden onset, rapid spread, and wide impact. Clinical symptoms are severe and can lead to death, with the deceased mostly being the elderly and frail, young children with multiple illnesses, or those with chronic underlying diseases.
The difference between it and the common cold is like a big devil versus a little monster.
In short, influenza is inherently volatile and difficult to manage, and it is highly contagious. It is mainly transmitted through droplets from sneezing and coughing, and through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, and eyes. Contact with contaminated objects can also lead to infection via these routes.
It's really hard to guard against. When you unfortunately catch the flu, the doctor will prescribe you a box of oseltamivir.
Now, here's the important part.
Can pregnant women take oseltamivir? Will it have any effect on the baby?
Can I still breastfeed after taking medication?
How should I take it? Does the dosage need to be adjusted?
What should you pay attention to when eating it?
Besides oseltamivir, are there any other medications I can take?
Is it better to get a flu vaccine or take oseltamivir to prevent the flu?
Q1: Is oseltamivir safe for pregnant women?
Currently, oseltamivir is the preferred flu medication for pregnant women.
Of course, other drugs such as zanamivir and peramivir (which work on a similar principle to oseltamivir) can also be used. All three are classified as pregnancy category C drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
No serious adverse reactions have been found in pregnant women and fetuses [3]. Common adverse reactions are mainly gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting) and rashes, most of which can be relieved on their own.
Therefore, this type of medication is safe for pregnant women and can be taken.
During lactation, it is currently believed that oseltamivir and its active metabolites are rarely excreted into breast milk, and medication does not affect breastfeeding. However, research on zanamivir is still lacking.
Q2: How should I take oseltamivir and other medications?
Although oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir can all be used, only oseltamivir is an oral medication, making it more convenient to take.
Q3: What precautions should be taken when taking oseltamivir?
The earlier the flu is used, the better. It is best to start using it within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms (such as fever, headache, and muscle pain) to shorten the duration of symptoms [4].
When used for prevention, medication should be started within 2 days after close contact with a person with influenza.
Food will not affect the efficacy of the medication, so you can take it with or without food. If you experience stomach discomfort after taking the medication, it is recommended to take it with food.
Note that oseltamivir is only for influenza and is ineffective against the common cold.
Q4: Can I take oseltamivir without getting vaccinated?
Can't.
Oseltamivir cannot replace the flu vaccine, and its preventive effect is not comparable to that of the flu vaccine.
The preventive effect of medication is short-lived; it only has a preventive effect while the medication is being taken.
Unlike influenza vaccines, which provide immunity for at least several months to a year after vaccination, widespread vaccination during a flu pandemic can significantly reduce the spread of the flu virus.
Therefore, oseltamivir cannot replace influenza vaccination and should only be used as an emergency temporary preventive measure for unvaccinated individuals susceptible to influenza or high-risk groups after contact with influenza patients.
In addition, oseltamivir may inhibit the replication of live attenuated influenza vaccines, thereby affecting vaccine efficacy.
Therefore, do not take oseltamivir within 2 weeks of receiving the live attenuated vaccine, and do not receive the live attenuated vaccine within 48 hours of taking oseltamivir.
However, oseltamivir has no effect on inactivated influenza vaccines, and inactivated influenza vaccines can be administered at any time before or after taking oseltamivir[4].
Q5: How can pregnant women prevent the flu?
1. The most effective measure is to get a flu vaccine.[5]
Timing: It is recommended to complete immunization before the end of October each year. Even if this period has passed, vaccination is still effective throughout the flu season.
Safety: Numerous studies have shown that it is safe for pregnant women to receive the flu vaccine.
During pregnancy: Pregnant women can receive the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.
Even if you were vaccinated last year, you still need to be vaccinated this year.
Note: Inactivated vaccines are permissible during pregnancy, but non-inactivated vaccines should be avoided as they pose a potential risk of infecting the fetus.
2. An important method – maintaining good personal hygiene habits
Maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, keep warm appropriately, avoid catching a cold, and strengthen your constitution and immunity;
Wash your hands frequently and keep the environment clean and well-ventilated;
Minimize your visits to crowded places and avoid contact with people who have respiratory infections;
Maintain good respiratory hygiene habits. Cover your mouth and nose with your upper arm or a tissue or towel when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
If you experience respiratory infection symptoms, you should rest at home and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In summary, pregnant women are a high-risk group for influenza and should take precautions by getting vaccinated in a timely manner.
For pregnant women who have already contracted the flu, oseltamivir is recommended, and it should be used as early as possible.
If you experience nausea, vomiting, or other adverse reactions, these symptoms usually subside on their own. If they persist, remember to seek medical attention promptly.
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