Answer:Different types of antiviral prescription medications are expected to be helpful for the prevention—as well as the treatment—of bird flu (also called avian influenza or avian flu). Two of these drugs are Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) and Relenza® (zanamivir). According to the World Health Organization, these drugs have been shown in laboratory studies to reduce the severity and duration of seasonal influenza. It is believed they may lessen the severity of bird flu and increase the chance of survival. A key factor to their effectiveness is how quickly the patient receives the medications after symptoms appear.

Currently, no vaccine is available to prevent bird flu.

Learn more about avian influenza in the Walgreens.com Health Library.

View the Walgreens.com Pharmacist FAQ Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

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