Antiviral drugs are useful for many viral infections.  They are prescribed as:

• pills
• liquids
• inhaler

They may be used against influenza viruses, which include the H1N1 virus.  These medications must be prescribed by a physician, and are not sold over the counter.

There are four antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for use with the Novel H1N1 Virus or S-0IV flu.  They are:

• oseltamivir
• zanamivir
• amantadine
• rimantadine

According to the CDC, the Novel H1N1 Virus or S-0IV virus which has been detected in humans in the U. S. and Mexico are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine so these two drugs will not be prescribed for the Novel H1N1 Virus or S-0IV flu. 

If you get sick with the Novel H1N1 Virus or S-0IV flu, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and help you feel better faster, but your body will still have to fight hard to get well. Usually people feel better within 48 hours of taking the medication. 

The CDC recommends the use of Oseltamivir (marketed as Tamiflu®) to both treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in those aged 1 year and older.  Zanamivir (marketed as Relenza®) is approved to treat influenza A and B virus in people 7 years and older and to prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people 5 years and older.

Recommendations for using antiviral drugs for treatment or prevention of Novel H1N1 Virus or S-0IV influenza will change as more is learned about this virus.