The predominant strain of the flu this year is promising to be stronger than last years and one defense many had against it may be no longer effective.
When you hear the sounds of sneezing and sniffling, you know its that time of year again: flu season.
But, with the latest advances in medicine, the flu isn't such a dreaded illness anymore.
Dr. Cedric Spak, with Baylor Medical recommends Tamiflu. "The moment you develop symptoms if you take Tamiflu within 48 hours then it will reduce your symptoms of sort of the usual influenza like illness."
At least that's the way it used to be since the drug first hit pharmacy shelves.
"There was a lot of excitement when they came out with Tamiflu," Spak mentioned.
But this year's different.
According to Dr. John Carlo of Dallas County's Health and Human Services department, "this year what we've seen the early strains that have gone to the lab and have been tested are actually being resistant to a common anti-viral; Tamiflu."
Doctors tell us there is a similar drug to Tamiflu that may be effective called Relenza, though it's not recommended for children under the age of 7.
For this flu season, Carlo and Spak believe your best bet is the flu shot.
"Although they're worried that the medicine doesn't work well, the vaccine they're saying is highly effective this year," said Spak.
There's still time to get yourself protected -- flu season doesn't officially start until next month.
