Dear Dr. Jen, The flu is still going around. Is it true that you aren’t contagious if you take Tamiflu?
Answer: If you have the flu, you are contagious starting from one day PRIOR to symptoms, and up to SEVEN days after the onset of symptoms.
If you take Tamiflu, it does not make you less contagious, nor does it cure the flu. Tamiflu simply lessens the severity of the symptoms, and the duration of the flu by a day or two.
So, if you have the flu, please be mindful that you are still contagious, even if you are starting to feel better, up to seven days after your symptoms start. You may want to strongly consider staying home from work, and avoid sending your child to school and any extracurricular activities, for a week after symptoms start, so you don’t unintentionally give the flu to others.
Of course, practicing frequent hand washing and other contact precautions, help prevent transmission of the flu, as well.
