Tamiflu is unusually "hot": Warning of the risk of "losing money and getting sick" due to using the drug?

The Tamiflu "fever" in the middle of flu season is causing panic and people to rush to buy the drug, causing the price of the drug to increase. Medical experts warn that self-medication with antiviral drugs can have serious consequences, and that doctors' instructions must be followed.

Recently, a worrying phenomenon has occurred at many pharmacies in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Although information about Tamiflu is no longer as scarce as many people think, the price of the drug has begun to increase rapidly.

According to records at many drug stores, Tamiflu is being sold at prices ranging from 50,000 VND to 52,000 VND per pill. However, in some areas near large hospitals, this price is much higher, up to 80,000 VND per pill. This sudden price increase has led to panic in the community, causing many people to rush to buy medicine in reserve, increasing pressure on supply and prices.

Not only stopping at pharmacies, on social networks, some accounts also encourage people to stock up on medicine to prevent the flu. This has unintentionally created a wave of "emergency medicine purchases", pushing medicine prices to unreasonably high levels.

However, according to information from the Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health), the supply of Tamiflu remains stable and is completely sufficient to meet people's needs. The agency affirmed that there is no real shortage of the drug, and the price increase is unfounded. The number of drugs currently in stock is up to more than 10,000 boxes, and importing companies have also planned to continue to replenish the goods.

Faced with this situation, the Drug Administration has officially spoken out to reassure public opinion. The representative of the Department emphasized that Tamiflu is a prescription drug, and improper use of antiviral drugs can cause serious consequences. People should not arbitrarily buy and stockpile the drug but should consult a doctor before using it.

Doctors also advise people not to buy Tamiflu on their own, especially for those who do not have obvious flu symptoms. For those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or the elderly, the use of Tamiflu should be carefully considered and must be prescribed by a doctor.

Furthermore, self-medication with Tamiflu may not only be ineffective but also aggravate other health conditions, especially for those who have not yet been diagnosed with influenza. Medical experts also warn of the possibility of depression as a side effect of Tamiflu if used incorrectly.

In addition to being cautious about using Tamiflu, health experts also encourage people to get vaccinated against influenza to enhance their ability to protect their health. According to information from the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, after Tet, the number of people coming to get vaccinated against influenza increased by more than 50%, especially for high-risk groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.

In the context of the widespread flu epidemic, authorities need to proactively inspect and closely monitor the supply of drugs, ensuring that people are not taken advantage of or scammed in the current tense situation.

Along with that, each individual also needs to proactively protect their health and the community's health by taking preventive measures such as wearing masks, avoiding close contact with people suspected of having the flu, washing hands regularly, and especially not using antiviral drugs without a doctor's prescription.

In the coming days, the flu situation may continue to develop complicatedly. Therefore, each person needs to raise awareness, follow the instructions of health authorities, stay calm, avoid panic and listen to advice from experts. Only cooperation between authorities and the community can help control and minimize the risks from this epidemic.

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