NO, do not stockpile Tamiflu or other antiviral medicines. If many people get Tamiflu when it is not needed, there is a bigger chance that the virus will become resistant to the medicine and it will not work at all. We are not sure that Tamiflu will work against the particular type of virus that causes a pandemic. You should only take Tamiflu when a health care provider tells you it is the right medicine.

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that is frequently prescribed by doctors to combat the effects of seasonal flu viruses in infected persons. It is believed, though largely unproven, that it could help treat humans that have become infected with a new strain of the bird flu virus. Should an avian flu pandemic occur it is anticipated that Tamiflu may be in short supply due to the sudden rise in demand.

We believe it is premature for the state to commit money to stockpiling Tamiflu or any other antiviral medication. Flu viruses vary, and specific antiviral medications may be effective against some but not all flu viruses. Since we don't know which virus will be responsible for the next pandemic, we need to consider which of the currently available antiviral medications would be prudent to have available.

No one knows what the next pandemic flu strain will be until it arrives, and Tamiflu may or may not be effective against it. Also, if people stockpile Tamiflu, they will reduce the supply available to people who become ill from seasonal flu virus. Finally, like most medications, Tamiflu has a shelf life and may lose its effectiveness after a period of time.

The NPS is a large reserve of antibiotics, chemical antidotes, and other medical supplies set aside for emergencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it has the capacity to move these stockpiled materials to affected areas in the U.S. within 12 hours of notification. There are eight different stockpiles, strategically located around the country.

The use of antivirals when they are not needed increases the chance that flu viruses will become resistant. Antivirals should not be taken without instructions from a doctor or other healthcare provider.

For prophylaxis, its effectiveness lasts as long as the drugs are being taken and ceases once the drugs are stopped. Self-medication is not encouraged because of potential side effects and possibility of emergence of antiviral resistance.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a supply of antiviral medications to share with Maryland and the other states. In a pandemic, even if existing antiviral drugs are effective on the new strain, demand for antiviral drugs will be high, which means that it will be necessary to take the other important steps to limit transmission of the virus. This includes good handwashing and respirtory hygiene.

NO. Keeping a stockpile of antibiotics is a bad idea. While antibiotics would be used to treat individuals who might fall ill during a disease outbreak, the use of these medications should always be done at the direction of a physician. People who self-medicate themselves or their children could very well do more harm than good because adverse side effects may occur.

No, we don't even have hunting rifles or archery sets. Our Master said in Matthew 26:52, "All those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword." We have no need to defend ourselves.

Click on an Tamiflu order link to go to our secure server to set up your account. Answer an online questionnaire with relevant information regarding your medical condition. After you have completed the questionnaire, a confirmation page will appear for you to check your answers for accuracy. Then you may submit your order for processing.

The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), is a collection of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies that was created as a resource to re-supply communities during an emergency such as an act of terrorism or a natural disaster. The Departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security oversee the SNS. One key component of the SNS is the 12-hour Push Packages, designed to arrive within 12 hours of deployment.

Experts recommend stockpiling three days worth of non-perishable food and stockpiling three gallons of water for each person in your household per day.

The researches made in clinics from USA and Europe showed that flu patients who took Tamiflu felt better 1.3 days (30%) faster than flu patients who did not take Tamiflu.

Tamiflu can be taken safely by adults and children aged 1 year and older. Tamiflu is also available in a convenient oral suspension (liquid) that make easy for children to swallow.

You should store Tamiflu medication should at room temperature below 77?F (25?C) and keep it in a dry place. Keep Tamiflu medication out of the reach of children. There is evidence that the H5N1 influenza virus strain - Avian Flu or Bird Flue - is susceptible to the Tamiflu antiviral drug. World governments are expanding stockpiles of Tamiflu against the contingency of a flu pandemic.

Whether a doctor prescribes antiviral drugs to a patient will depend on the circumstances and health needs of the patient, taking into consideration the presence of any contraindication and balancing the benefits of taking the antiviral drugs against the possible adverse side effects. Indiscriminate use of antiviral drugs may give rise to drug resistance.

The Department of State has decided to pre-position the drug Tamiflu at its Embassies and Consulates worldwide, for eligible U.S. Government employees and their families serving abroad. Tamiflu may not be readily available overseas and the State Department encourages American citizens traveling or living abroad that are interested in obtaining this medication to consult with their physician. There is no provision for the U.S.

TAMIFLU has been shown to have a good safety profile, with minimal chance of drug interactions. Your doctor or healthcare professional may recommend taking over-the-counter medications to reduce fever or other symptoms while the antiviral action of TAMIFLU takes effect. Before starting treatment make sure that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any other medication.