There are four different medications which is used in the treatment of influenza especially. They include
• Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
• Symmetrel (amantadine)
• Flumadine (rimantadine)
• Relenza (zanamivir)

All these four medications are available only through prescription. They help in prevention as well as treatment of the influenza disease. In prevention mode, the drugs are to be taken a minimum of two weeks before the onset of the flu outbreak or flu season in the community. In treatment mode, the drugs help in lowering the flu symptoms significantly and also the duration matters.

Flu shot or vaccine is the nest known preventive measure against influenza, but there are also some drugs which can do the same job at times. The first three drugs namely Tamiflu, Symmetrel and Flumadine can be used from the age of just one year, meaning that even children can take it.

Symmetrel and Flumadine were the two medicines initially approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). These drugs are capable are fighting against influenza A viruses alone but not influenza B viruses. These two drugs can stop the function of the M2 protein of the flu virus. The M2 protein is responsible for producing a channel on the outer membrane of the virus, to initiate the replication. Hence the flu viruses cannot replicate though it is able to enter the cell.

Tamilflu and Relenza were approved later in 1999 by the FDA. These were the first drugs which belonged to a new class called neuraminidase inhibitors. The outer membranes or surfaces of flu viruses are lined by neuraminidase (NA) proteins. It is an enzyme which helps in splitting the bonds which hold the newly formed viral particles outside the infected cell. After the breakage of this bond, the viral particles are free to move and infect any new cells nearer. Likewise, the infection spreads from one cell to another. Neuraminidase inhibitors hinder the activity of neuraminidase enzyme and do not permit the release of newly formed viral particles, thus stopping the infection to a single cell or so.

By such functions, the above drugs help in the treatment of flu. These medications are able to prevent flu by the following.
• Consumption of drugs 2 weeks earlier to the season
• In case of close contact with an infected member (unavoidable) since it is a member of the family.
• In case of close contact with a vaccinated person to provide better protection against flu.
• In case of flu epidemic, drug usage immediately after vaccination during the formation of antibodies provides better protection. Antibodies are proteins formed against any foreign body by the immune system for protection.
•  In case of flu epidemic, drug usage is recommended if the vaccine has not included the current prevailing viral strain.

But before the usage of any of these drugs, it is good to consult the doctor to choose the best medicine apt for you.