Zanamivir

Products Zanamivir is commercially available as a dischaler for powder inhalation (Relenza). It has been approved in many countries since 1999. Zanamivir is far less well known than oseltamivir (Tamiflu), probably mainly because of its more complicated administration. Structure and properties Zanamivir (C12H20N4O7, Mr = 332.3 g/mol) exists as a white powder. It has a … Zanamivir

Oseltamivir

Products Oseltamivir is commercially available as capsules and as a powder for oral suspension (Tamiflu). It has been approved in many countries since 1999. Generics were first registered in the EU in 2014 (ebilfumin) and in many countries in 2018. Structure and properties Oseltamivir (C16H28N2O4, Mr = 312.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as oseltamivir … Oseltamivir

Swine flu

The swine flu, also called “new flu”, describes an infection with an influenza A (H1N1) virus, which can infect animals as well as humans. The term “swine flu” is somewhat misleading, since the virus itself was never isolated from a pig, but it is a mixed variant of viruses that could be isolated from infected … Swine flu

Diagnosis | Swine flu

Diagnosis The focus of the diagnosis of an infection with the swine flu virus is the detection of the virus’ DNA. Nevertheless, it is important to take a thorough anamnesis in a doctor-patient conversation. In this discussion then usually the suspicion on the presence of a flu illness hardens itself. The treating physician is interested … Diagnosis | Swine flu

Therapy | Swine flu

Therapy Since influenza can be life-threatening, especially for people with risk factors, a visit to a doctor should not be postponed if there is a suspicion of infection with the virus. This is especially true for older people and pregnant women. Treatment of swine flu should be carried out in all cases, even if only … Therapy | Swine flu

Vaccination | Swine flu

Vaccination A vaccine against the swine flu virus has been available since 2009 and is now integrated into every seasonal flu vaccination. The vaccine is a so-called dead vaccine, which contains killed viruses that can no longer infect the organism. However, they are sufficient to stimulate the body’s own immune system to produce antibodies that … Vaccination | Swine flu

Probenecid

Products Probenecid is commercially available in tablet form (Santuril). Santuril has been approved in many countries since 2005. Structure and properties Probenecid (C13H19NO4S, Mr = 285.4 g/mol) is a white crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water. Effects Probenecid (ATC M04AB01) inhibits tubular reabsorption of uric acid and secretion of organic anions. It thus … Probenecid

Flu Causes and Treatment

Symptoms Influenza (flu) usually begins suddenly and manifests itself in the following symptoms: High fever, chills, sweating. Muscle, limb and headache Weakness, fatigue, feeling sick. Cough, usually a dry irritating cough Rhinitis, nasal congestion, sore throat Digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, mainly in children. The flu occurs mainly in the winter months. … Flu Causes and Treatment

Flu virus

Definition – What is the influenza virus? The one influenza virus does not actually exist. Rather, the triggers of influenza are a whole group of viruses, the so-called influenza viruses type A, B and C. The individual strains of this virus family differ in their protein composition and are constantly changing it. The strains are … Flu virus

Vaccination | Flu virus

Vaccination The Robert Koch Institute recommends an annual flu vaccination for people over 60, healthcare professionals and people with chronic illnesses. The reason why the vaccination has to be given annually is that many different strains of the virus exist and they are constantly rewriting their genetic information to escape the body’s defense mechanisms (see … Vaccination | Flu virus