Uncertain if it's influenza, can I take oseltamivir?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory disease caused by infection with the influenza virus. Oseltamivir is commonly available in capsule and granule formulations and is an antiviral medication. Generally, if it is uncertain whether the illness is influenza, taking oseltamivir is not recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Oseltamivir is primarily used to treat patients with type A or type B influenza and is ineffective against other common viral infections. If you have a common cold, taking regular cold medications is sufficient. Oseltamivir is a prescription medication and should be used only under a doctor's guidance. Unsupervised use may lead to drug abuse and increase the risk of unnecessary side effects. Therefore, if symptoms such as fever and cough appear but it is uncertain whether they are caused by influenza, oseltamivir should not be used indiscriminately.

In daily life, attention should be paid to personal hygiene, frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and avoiding close contact with individuals who have influenza, in order to reduce the risk of infection and maintain good health.