Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is one of the anti-viral medications that has been around for awhile. It has gained more public awareness since the outbreak of the swine flu. Tamiflu is used both to prevent and treat flu viruses. What some people do not realize is that if they have a family member that has been diagnosed with the flu, it is possible to take Tamiflu and possibly prevent yourself from getting sick. Read through this website if you think you have the flu or someone close to you has the flu. Remember only a physician can prescribe Tamiflu and you need to take it very early on in the course of the illness for it to be effective.