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If you have been diagnosed with the swine flu (H1N1) there are several treatments to consider. Pandemic H1N1 swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. These antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. H1N1 swine flu is resistant to older flu drugs. A third antiviral drug, peramivir, can be used only in hospitalized patients with severe flu. Peramivir is an intravenous drug approved for use under the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization.

Not everyone needs treatment with these anti-flu drugs. Most people who come down with H1N1 swine flu recover fully, without antiviral treatment.

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