Can swine flu be treated?

Swine flu can be treated with the antiviral medicines oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). They need to be given within two days of the onset of symptoms to be most effective.

Can antiviral drugs cure swine flu?

No. Antivirals can reduce the virus spreading in the body, help the patient recover more quickly and reduce the risk of complications. They also reduce shedding of the virus by infected people so that its spread may be delayed. But they do not offer longer-term protection.

Will relatives or those in close contact with people diagnosed with swine flu be given antivirals to help them avoid the disease?

No. On 2 July, the government said that the disease could no longer be contained in the UK and that people in contact with those suffering from flu would not be given antiviral drugs. But it was recommended that people with swine flu should still stay at home while they had the symptoms.

Is it possible to eliminate the virus using antivirals?

Once the virus is widespread within the community the value of antivirals in terms of slowing the spread of the disease or of offering some individual protection is greatly reduced. This is because people are likely to be repeatedly exposed to the disease and extensive use of the drugs would no longer be appropriate as it would mean people having to take repeated courses of medicine. It is not possible to eliminate the virus using antivirals.

Who has access to antivirals?

Everyone, at the discretion of GPs. There is a view that the government should restrict antivirals to people most at risk of developing serious complications, and let the disease run its course for others. The Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies believes there is still doubt over the risk of the virus; there are reports of young, healthy, adults in Argentina becoming extremely ill from swine flu. The government has, therefore, decided to continue offering antivirals to everyone with swine flu, at doctors' discretion.

Who is most at risk?

Those most at risk of developing complications include people with lung, heart, kidney and liver disease, those with chronic neurological disease, with immunosuppression, those over 65, those pregnant, and children under five.

Can children take antivirals?

Tamiflu can be used for children on the advice of a GP. Relenza can only be used for children over five years old.