What is the difference between chemoprophylaxis and treatment?

Chemoprophylaxis is the term used when a medication is prescribed to someone who does not have flu symptoms but has been exposed to the virus. The goal of chemoprophylaxis is to prevent someone from getting the flu.

Treatment is used when a person has the signs and symptoms of the flu or has tested positive for influenza A and/or B. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has been shown to lessen the amount of time people are sick with the flu.