How Tamiflu helps with the flu
The flu (influenza) is a virus that comes on fast: one minute you’re fine, the next you have a fever, aches and a cough. It’s more than a bad cold, and for some people it can lead to pneumonia or a hospital stay.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral that stops the flu virus from spreading in your body. Started early, it can shorten the illness by about a day and lower the chance of complications. It matters most for people at higher risk: adults 65 and over, pregnant people, young children, people living in long-term care, and anyone with a long-term health condition like heart or lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Many healthy adults get better on their own with rest and fluids. Your pharmacist will help you decide whether an antiviral is worth it for you.
Ontario pharmacists can prescribe oseltamivir to treat influenza (O. Reg. 256/24).
Common symptoms
- Fever or chills that start suddenly
- Muscle aches and feeling exhausted
- Headache
- Dry cough and sore throat
- In children: sometimes vomiting or diarrhea
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask when your symptoms started, check your age and health conditions, review your other medications, and look for signs that you should see a doctor instead.
If it’s right for you, they may prescribe oseltamivir, usually twice a day for 5 days. A pharmacist can prescribe it when you can start within 2 days of your first symptoms. We can fill it right away, or have it delivered so you can stay home.
Past the 2-day mark and at higher risk? Don’t wait it out. Contact your doctor, a nurse practitioner or Health811, because an antiviral can still help some people later on.
Feeling too sick to come in? Text us first. We’ll tell you how we can assess you and get your medicine to you.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)capsules, or a liquid for children; usually twice a day for 5 days, best taken with food to avoid an upset stomach
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Oseltamivir is covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit for eligible people, and by many private drug plans. If you’re paying yourself, we’ll tell you the price before we fill it.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- It’s been more than 2 days since your symptoms started and you’re at higher risk
- You’re not improving after 3 or 4 days, or you’re getting worse
- You start to feel better, then the fever and cough come back
- You’re coughing up coloured mucus or have pain when you breathe
- Your baby is under 1 year old and has flu symptoms
- You have severe kidney disease
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Bluish lips or face
- Confusion, severe drowsiness or a seizure
- Signs of dehydration: very little pee, no tears, dizziness
- In children: fast or hard breathing, not waking up or not interacting, or not drinking
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.