Van Nuys, CA (IBwire.com - March 27, 2009) - The flu is an infection caused by the influenza virus that is easily caught upon contact with the virus. The flu symptoms can range from mild to harsh and in some cases can be fatal. The best prevention of the flu is to get the annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is made of dead or weakened versions of the predicted strains of flu for the season, which helps your body to develop antibodies to fight off those particular strains.

Besides the traditional flu vaccine, there is also a product called Tamiflu on the market. Tamiflu is an oral capsule that is designed to fight off the flu once a person is infected with it. It is an antiviral treatment, not to be confused with the flu vaccine. It can minimize the symptoms of the influenza virus and prevent symptoms from becoming worse. It works alongside the flu vaccine, so an annual flu shot should still be received, especially in high risk cases, such as medical workers, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the infirm.

Tamiflu can be taken by anyone aged one year or older. In the case where a person has already contracted the flu, taking Tamiflu within 48 hours of contraction helps stop the virus from spreading and lessens the severity of the symptoms. When taken before contracting the flu, Tamiflu can prevent the flu altogether. You should work with your healthcare provider to ensure that Tamiflu is an option for you. It cannot be used in place of the flu vaccine, since it only works while it is in your system, but it is a great option for those who have already received the flu vaccine and have still caught, or is in danger of catching, the flu.