Sorry swine flu again, is tamiflu ever given due to contact with someone who has had swine flu?

[used2bthin]

Would it work? My DD has possibly been in contact with two children who are infectious and she has a condition that makes her high risk. She would definately be hospitalised with t and can't fight illness so I am very worried. Would Tamiflu work like that? They were treating children exposed to it even without symptoms originaly weren't they or have I got that wrong?

Yes I think they were treating people with contact originally. Call your GP first thing tomorrow - or NHS direct if you need your mind putting at rest now. x

Thanks sameagain I think I will ring her specialist tomorrow but have just been told by another parent that they probably won't give it to her with no symptoms as there are side effects. I am just going to have to get her treated the minute she gets a temperature. Unless they would trust me and give me some in case she does!

Won't treat if no symptoms. No point as it does not stop you getting flu, it only stops the symptoms getting worse. Just be vigilent and report as soon as your DD gets a temp with ither flu-like symptoms. Nasty side effects too.

Cjmommy do you know what the side effects are?My dd has to be in hospital if she is vomitting so they definately won't give it to her if so. I'm so worried But I know I am one of many so not much I can do except hope for the best and check her temp through the night.

It can prevent flu when given as a prophylactic, but it is more likely to reduce severity and duration.

One of the potential side effects is nausea and vomitting I believe...but that is also one of hte syptoms of swine flu so it is lose lose.

I would ring her specialist for advise. He kows your daughters condition and contra-indications best.

Thanks prefetparfait I think I will in the morning. Bet they tell me to wait and see but I think I have to try, at least they will know she will probably be in in the next week . Nausea and vomitting are very serious for DD so it looks like if he does get it then she will be in hospital. I guess they just put them in isolation as with normal sick bugs. They will have to take her won't they?

they have given us a prescription for DH after contact with 2 children with swine flu, but told only to take it if he develops signs. He has other helath issues which means his in high risk gorup and could cause real problems for him. HTH

Ah Lisad that is good, I hope they will le me have some for DD too. Frm what I have just read it is more effective when given very soon after symptoms start so if thay would give me some for Dd to have if she starts getting ill it could really help her.

yes they should do it. I called GP and explained, she called back and said there is a prescription here come and get it. We havent had to use it yet, lucky for us, but trying not to panic/worry. Yep earelier the better is my understanding.

I just remembered we were on another thread ages ago together about chicken pox. Hope your DH doesn't get it and you don't have to use them Thanks again I will ring her specialist in the morning then GP if they say DD should have some here.

CJ you are incorrect - current HPA guidelines suggest offering tamiflu to high risk contacts of symptomatic cases (even if they themselves are not symptomatic)
The choice to take it or not is then yours!

just waiting for the doctor to call me back. Its not a doctor I particularly like so I hope she hurries up because I want to ring DDs specialist if she says no, just to check what others are doing.