*Not Current, See Below*

Have you read the side effects of tamiflu? Barring life-saving antibiotics and probably some other exceptions,the dangers of almost any drug outweighs the advantages including immunizations. Other than lining the pockets of drug companies, they don't help anyone, and in fact are quite harmful.

Just be warned about possible hallucinations and a small number of suicides. There is a warning posted by the FDA for tweens.

My 3 year old son just got over the flu - took 10 days - poor little guy and we were not told about Tami Flu - is it a prescription or over the counter med? Many thanks.

(ps - noticed you are an adoptive mom - you may want to take a peak at my online adoption keepsake gift shop - ManyHeartsOneBeat.com)Hasta.

I work in a pediatric ER & the MD's there do not rx Tamiflu!

Here is the newest FDA warning!

March 4, 2008 -- The FDA today announced that the flu drug Tamiflu now has a stronger warning about rare reports of delirium and abnormal behavior leading to self-injury, and, in some cases, death.

Tamifu's label continues to stress the importance of watching flu patients for signs of unusual behavior and seeking immediate care if any such signs are observed.

Since November 2007, Tamiflu's warning information has noted postmarketing reports, of self-injury and delirium in flu patients -- and that it's not clear if Tamiflu caused those problems.

Now, Tamiflu's warning information also includes more details, including reports of "some cases" of fatal injuries from delirium and abnormal behavior in patients taking Tamiflu.

Tamiflu's updated label also states that those reports appear to be "uncommon," and that the reported cases may happen abruptly.

The drug's label also points out that flu itself can cause neurological and psychiatric problems.

"People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior early during their illness," states Tamiflu's label. "These events may occur shortly after beginning Tamiflu or may occur when flu is not treated."

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The best way to treat flu symptoms in children?

There are useful home remedies and over-the-counter medications to treat flu in children. Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective against the flu. Antibiotics are useful to treat bacterial infections. However, the flu is a viral infection and antibiotics will not help. Some common home remedies for flu in children include:

getting plenty of rest

drinking plenty of liquids

using acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower fever and reduce aches (Both are available in children's formulations.)

Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever. Aspirin may increase risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare disorder that occurs almost exclusively in children under the age of 18 and can cause severe liver and brain damage.

Talk with your doctor before giving any child under age 6 an over-the-counter cold or flu medicine. Do not give these medications to any child under the age of 2.

In very young children with congestion, use a nasal bulb to remove mucus. You may also spray three drops of saline nasal spray into each nostril.

I'm a rather old mom, my baby is 26 years old, AND my grandmother was always into herbs and slow cooking, no fried foods, no sugars unless it was a special occasion and all food was served with consciousness and LOVE (I believe this is important). I've had cancer, my dogs have had cancer and what i've discovered is homeopathy, acupuncture, meditation, spiritual practice in other words a holistic approach is an important aspect of life. I am using homeopathy to control, my anxiety, depression and my dogs' mast cell cancer and sarcoma and it's working! In other words there are other things to consider taking e.g. oscillococcinum (you can get these at the health food store). Research (intellect) as well as intuition (heart) are very important to making the right decision. Best to you and your family.

PLEASE be careful with Tamiflu!! Our nephew ended up in the hospital in CCU after being given Tamiflu and he was very seriously ill! He was unresponsive, and really bad off! There was also another boy hospitalized at the same time with the same symptoms as our nephew - scary stuff!!

My daughter (20 months old) and I just started Tamiflu 2 nights ago because my husband came down with the flu on Monday. So far, so good - we both got the flu shot, but I decided to take it as a precaution just in case. If we come down with any adverse reactions, I'll update my post. I, too, posted a flu question a few days ago, and found more people who gave it to their kids. If you click on my profile, you'll see that posting with the responses. Maybe that will help you. Good luck with avoiding the nasty flu.

Hi I read this report off of Dr. Mercoloa
Tamiflu's Effects On Your Brain

The FDA has been reviewing reports of abnormal behavior and other brain effects in more than 1,800 children who had taken the flu medicine Tamiflu.

The symptoms have included convulsions, delirium or delusions, and in Japan, five deaths have been reported in children under 16 as a result of neurological or psychiatric problems. Four were fatal falls, and one was a brain infection in a patient with leukemia.

There have also been nine deaths among older teens and adults, attributed to neuropsychiatric problems or brain infections.
C.
http://www.MomsGoNGreen.com

Late reader here too. My 6 yr old had the flu shot and still got the Flu. It was brutal. My ped gave all of us (4yr, me & DH) a prescript for tamiflu. It helped her get over it but it still took 4 days for her 104 fever to break. She felt fine other wise after the first day of being on it. The rest of us felt sluggish until I just stopped taking it and I stopped giving it to my 4yr old after about 3 days. The flu shot given this year was not the strand my daughter got. We did manage to not get it. So I can't say for sure if Tamiflu kept it away. It is only effective while you are taking it.

Yes we used Tamiflu for my 23 month old son about 2 weeks ago. He was fine and the medicine did not make him sleepy.

I personally will not suggest it for anyone.

The flu is a virus. The best thing you can do is eat nutrious foods, boost immunity naturally.
I would reccomend anti -viral herbs and homeopathy before exposing my child to drugs that
deplete a childs immune system.

My boys and I took it a year ago when my hubby came down with it. Kept us from getting it, so I was certainly grateful for that. They didn't seem to have any adverse reactions to it (they were ages 2 and 4 at the time).

I read all the advice for your question- I wanted to make sure I understood your response that your whole family "is" on tamiflu or "is not".
I personally have seen bad things happen- I wish you all the best:)

both of my kids were on it with no problems. I will say that both kids hating taking it- apparently it tastes gross. So make sure to have a drink near by to chase it down with. :)

Dear C.,

I have no experience with Tamiflu - I've never even heard of it. I have two things to say here, though.
1. I never miss my flu shot. I know it is controversial, and many people swear it makes them sick (which I believe to be false). I received mine coincidentally many years, simply in the right place at the right time. I missed it one year, and got so sick with the flu, I was down for three weeks, AND gave it to my husband and children. I have never missed it since (and while I catch colds, I have never had the flu since).
2. Someone below mentioned the meds taste nasty, and to have a drink nearby - my suggestion for nasty medicine is to give the kids two medicine cups, the first with the medicine in it, the second (to "shoot" after the medicine is down) with Nerds in it - got us through A LOT of doses of cough syrup, etc . . .

Good luck!
B.

In case you want to try some natural option, use SAMBUCOL for kids, it's elderberry extract and you can use regularly or when you're actually sick. Natural anti-viral. The adult formula works wonders too. Worth a try. My former holistic doctor recommended (my insurance does not cover to see her anymore ;(
T.W.

I'm glad to hear that you got on Tamiflu and I hope your husband is feeling better.

My 2 boys and I got the flu about a month ago and we were miserable. We all took Tamiflu and my older son was feeling better in a period of 24 hours (his test came out positive for the flu). I only the other had took Tamiflu too but since I have diabetes I was sick just a little bit longer.

I see that you got a lot of different responses and I have to tell you to trust your instinct and not let anyone else scare you into something else.

I am so sorry to hear that most people have not heard of colloidal silver. We started taking half an ounce every day and have not have a cold since 1999. My wife used to get at least three per year that were extremely bad ... since then .. none. And you can make your own for pennies. If interested e-mail me ____@____.com

Just an FYI, my son had a VERY bad reaction to Tamiflu. He had severe nausea and vomiting cause by Tamiflu (he had been fever free for 24 hours when the reaction hit so I know it wasn't the flu bug.)

Just keep an eye on your kids if the start having a reaction, or acting funny (due to the recent news about psychotic episodes caused by Tamiflu) call your pediatrician!

Despite flu shots and hand washing my nine year old son got the flu this February. The doctor recommended Tamiflu to shorten the severity. It worked really well! With in 24 hours he stopped having a fever. He got the meds on Friday and was well enough for school on Monday.

A few notes... overall our son is very healthy, so that probably helped him fight the flu too. The doctor said you have to start the Tamiflu within 24-36 hours. It was not covered by our insurance so it cost $86 for the ten pills.

Do you live in Garland, TN?
The best way to keep your family safe from the flu is to build up their immune system with real nutrients as that is what our body's are designed by our great God to function on. Email me personally about it if you want more info.

I know this is late, but just read the post today. My youngest son is 12 and had the flu early in February. The pediatrician did the flu test, which came back positive. They put him on Tami-flu, as well as my oldest son who is 17, as a preventative. I called my doctor to be put on this as well. He told me he was not a big fan, only because it cuts the flu symptons by only one day. Had me kind of scared for my kids being on it. But, they all survived and as a matter of fact, my youngest started feeling better the next day, but was just wiped out and tired. He missed a whole week of school, doctor said he might be ready to bo back to school on Friday, but too tired, and winter vacation was the following week anyway. My older son never got the flu, and neither did I. Next year, we will be getting flu shots though! My youngest son has allergies and gets allergy shots. Should have gotten flu shot, but the past 2 years we did not get it.

Just a word of warning: There are documented cases of neurological damage due to Tamiflu. It's not worth it to me. It only relieves the symptoms of the flu a day or at most a day and a half early. I use probiotics with my kids. I know the flu is yucky, but I warn you against this medicine!

Hi I am an RN and was curious with what type of responses you got. My pediatrician didnot recommend Tami flu for my son who is 3. I would recommend getting your kids on good quality nutritional products. If you would like more info I have a resource book rating all childrens vitamins by independent researchers. Most are just not worth much, and in order for kids to like them they take out all the good stuff. My email is ____@____.com and I would be happy to get you a copy. It is Comparative Guide to Childrens Nutritionals by Lyle MacWilliam. We both got flu shots and if we did get the flu if lasted very short time as we are both so healthy. P.

I am a pharmacist with CVS.If you are concerned about the taste of Tamiflu Suspension for your child, all you have to do is request flavoring be added. There is an additional charge of $2.99 for that, but at least you'll get it down your child without a fight. The medication lessens the severity of the flu,as well as shortens the duration of illness if you get them on it quickly enough after exposure (within 24 to 48 hours is best).

i haven't, but i know of a website that describes peoples experiences. www.askapatient.com . hopefully that helps!

Hi C. - Looks like you got a lot of great advice. I agree with one woman who wrote that to prevent/and or lessen the severity of flu it would wise to work on building your children's immune system through a healthy diet of raw fruits and vegetables EVERY day. It's so critical to fighting off not only colds and flus, but for lowering risk of all kinds of disease. As a "nutritional seatbelt" I recommend Juice Plus. It's not a man made isolated vitamin, but 17 difference nutritional dense fruits, vegetables and grains in capsule and chewable form. It's made a huge difference for my family over the last four years and gives me peace of mind. We still eat a lot of fruits and veggies, but the more the better. I'm distributing the product because I'm so passionate about helping people get healthier through whole food nutrition. http://www.juiceplus.com/+cc42230. Or listen to 800-942-1260 to hear health professionals on the topic of nutrition's impact on overall long term health and how Juice Plus can fill the gap. Feel free to call or email me if you have questions. ###-###-#### ____@____.com.

i had the flu in november and my son who was only 5 months at the time was put on it. it was aweful! he was cranky.... didnt want to sleep, eat, smile. he was never actually sick just the medication was causing moodswings. right after we heard on the news they were no longer reccomending it for babies.

My daughter is almost 6 and she had influnza and was started on Tamiflu. She recovered pretty quickly and was only on it for 5 days. She had a 104 fever, chills and then started throwing up for a few hours. She was still slow moving for about 3 days but then seemed pretty active after that. Hope they are feeling better!

I wouldn't do it! I would build up their immune systems so that they don't go down so bad. Clean up their diets, eat healthy, no dairy, cheese from cows and limit their sugar intake and do lots of fruits and veggies raw. Get your kids on a product called Ambrotose so that their immune systems are protected and supported and allow the body to be cared for. Go to: http://www.mannapages.com/healthsugars4life to see the kids products and how Ambrotose helps the body to care for itself. I have 6 kids and decided to care for my kids in a very healthy way after a lot of sickness. No Way would I do Tami Flu. Go to: http://www.HealthyAnswersOnline.com and read about vaccines and the such. People have to get sick from time to time to build up the immune system but when someone gets really sick, the health of that individual is not on target and thus you'll see your kids not do well across the board as they get older.
Good Luck and use your common sense. The flu next year will not be covered since they mutate. You're only giving your kids diseases that came from last years flu. This is why we get flu epidemics when they give out flu shots and mix them as well. Viruses are air born. A strong body can recognize and then fight appropriately. It can't do that on McDonalds, coke, french fries, candy and dairy and low quality nutrient foods. You have to supplement our kids today with what is missing to help them to fight in a toxic world.
If you want to know more about these nutrients, I've worked with them for 12 years. Please let me know how to reach you and I'll tell you how I have been able to change my whole family's health into one we feel very confident about and we are not at all doing the TamiFlu. We won't! We don't feel it is safe after seeing what is in it.