Flu clinic not providing anti-virals, patients should weigh all options Published Oct. 23, 2009 By Howdy Stout Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Visitors to Tinker's Flu Clinic are not likely to receive prescription anti-viral drugs, such as Tamiflu, to combat the H1N1 flu virus. The national Center for Disease Control only recommends the prescription of anti-viral drugs to hospitalized flu patients or those at risk of developing severe complications as a result of contracting the H1N1 flu virus. "It doesn't stop you from getting the flu and for healthy adults, it only reduces the length of flu-like symptoms by about a day," explains Maj. Juan Ramirez, Public Health Flight commander for the 72nd Medical Group. Tamiflu and its counterpart Relenza are two types of anti-viral drugs commonly prescribed in the private sector to combat influenza. Since the start of the H1N1 pandemic earlier this year and the early onset of the flu season, the antivirals have been in short supply. However, Major Ramirez says, the benefits of antivirals must be weighed with the potential side effects of the drug, namely vomiting and dehydration. Although school-age children are among those most at risk of contracting the H1N1 flu virus, antivirals are not recommended for children under the age of two. The CDC recommends only hospitalized flu victims receive the drug. To date, of the nearly 2000 people seen for flu like symptoms off base and at the Tinker flu clinic, only four people have been hospitalized with no deaths. The widespread use of Tamiflu may also cause the H1N1 virus to become more resistant to the drug. "It could make the virus more resistant," Major Ramirez said. "There have already been reported cases of resistance in other parts of the world." Being a new strain of swine flu, most people do not have a natural resistance to the H1N1 virus. Oklahoma and most states are experiencing widespread flu outbreaks, highly unusual for this time of the year. Flu cases normally peak in January and February. Flu symptoms include fever, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, aches and fatigue. Symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 virus are the same, only more severe and in some cases are often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. The 72nd Medical Group has a separate Flu Clinic for beneficiaries and retirees. Initial stocks of the H1N1 vaccine are expected to arrive shortly from the state. More information will be forthcoming. The clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Patients wishing to visit the clinic need to phone the clinic appointment line first. The clinic is located in the Med Group's old Orthopedic Clinic near the pharmacy and is open to all Active duty, dependents and retirees. For those visiting the Flu Clinic or off-base services, Major Ramirez said patients should follow the doctor's orders regarding the use of antivirals. "Our recommendation is to listen to your doctor," he said.