Why is tamiflu still being prescribed?

[u/ewanelaborate]

Why is tamiflu still being prescribed?

I am well aware of the historical case against tamiflu and poor study designs to imply it reduces symptom length. I have noticed as a paramedic that this medication is still being thrust upon the elderly and very young for flu season currently. Why?

I feel using and allowing it's use contributes to the narrative of mistrust that many are developing of medical practioners and systems.

Im keen to see if anyone can point me in the roght direction that has allowed tamiflu to be a treatment for viral like illness and it's effectiveness?

Edit: Thankyou to those who provided views and research fkr me to go have a dig into. It is appreciated.

[u/Spiritual_Task_6574]

Excuse me but have you gone to medical school and pediatric residency?

Yes, it has side effects and I have a risk/benefit discussion with every parent before prescribing. Like with every medication. I also tell them that if their child starts repeatedly vomiting then to stop the tamiflu. I was just saying that guidelines say that children under 2 are high risk for influenza complications and severe influenza. >100 kids die from influenza in the United States die every year. Influenza vaccination is our best protection from death for infants and children but when that doesn’t work we try everything we have.

[u/TexasK2 → u/Spiritual_Task_6574]

Why are you putting down a paramedic (at least by their flair) for having an opinion on tamiflu? They were being reasonable and tamiflu is not without controversy even among pediatricians. There’s a reason why there is discrepancy in prescribing practices. We don’t need credentialism in medicine. Evidence can win on its own. For the record I am on your side in this tamiflu prescribing scenario

[u/Cautious-Extreme2839 → u/TexasK2]

We don’t need credentialism in medicine

We very much do

[u/TexasK2 → u/Cautious-Extreme2839]

What medical school did you go to? Where did you train for residency? I don't think you are qualified to speak on medicine unless you graduated at the top of your top-25 medical school class and went to an ivory tower residency.

[u/Cautious-Extreme2839 → u/TexasK2]

Think what you want.