Should we start stocking up on Tamiflu in case of a major swine flu pandemic

[Denise Richards]

How would that be selfish? I really don't feel like dying before I turn 18.
A regular flu shot won't prevent you from getting infected with swine flu.

[CrazyGoon]

No, have a flu shot each Autumn.

[j2345_1999]

no, tamiflu will likely do nothing in this case.

Tamiflu is all that doctors have to combat the flus that jump species (bird flu and swine flu) and so bird flu has become very resistant to it.

the strain of "swine flu" going around is actually a combo strain of human flu, bird flu, and swine flu.

also, even with no resistance you have to medicate within the first 24 hrs to get noticeable results and beyond 48 hrs it will do nothing.

[Caroline]

No. That would be selfish.

Just use good healthy hygiene skills. Everyone will be fine.

[valerino539]

I don't understand why everyone freaks out about all these things, it is the MEDIA that always hypes all this stuff up!! All of the "horrible flus and pandemics" that have come in the past 50 years haven't killed even close to the number of people as drunk driving, smoking or being incredibly fat but you don't see anyone flipping out about that stuff!

[Max]

I hate to burst your bubble about Tamiflu, but it isn't all its cracked up to be. They've been using it to treat Avian flu around the world & they've found out that strains of the virus are developing an immunity to it.

You can read about it here:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-02-fluvirus-Tamifluresistant_N.htm

There is a reason why they're calling this an international emergency. Unless they come to grips with this problem soon, we're in for a rocky ride.

[christopherniedzwiecki]

More people should be more informed on things before stating stuff they haven't got a clue about so thumbs down for not being correct in your assumptions. No need to stock up.....yet.