Tackling Swine Flu
by Divya Nambiar - April 30, 2009
Medication
The human swine influenza (H1N1) is being treated with antivirals oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Tamiflu is a tablet while Relenza is to be inhaled.
Not only do these drugs ease the symptoms, but also prevent further spread of the infection. Plus, they cut down the duration of illness by a day.
Availability
Since Tamiflu and Relenza are the most effective treatment options for swine flu, governments are releasing stockpiles of the two drugs. Most of the stock was built up over three years after the 2006 Avian flu scare. A large chunk of the US stock was built in 2007-2008.
In the UK, the NHS signed contracts with pharmaceutical companies Roche, which manufactures Tamiflu, and GlaxoSmithKline, which manufactures Relenza, to double its storage.
Vaccine
Despite scientists working feverishly to develop a vaccine against swine flu, the process will take at least six months, according to the European commission briefing in Luxembourg recently.
Word of Caution
Swine flu is extremely contagious. Those affected need to make sure they don’t pass on the infection to others. If you suspect you have swine flu, you will need a lab test as there’s no other way to confirm.
Last edited by Rakhi on May 2, 2009 - 13:04 | Write to author: Divya Nambiar |
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