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CDC cautions against antivirals for swine flu
by Jamie Anderson - September 9, 2009 - comments
The CDC has recommended 'watchful waiting' in the event of a person developing flu like symptoms. The health watchdog has advised the use of antivirals like Tamiflu and Relenza only if fever or respiratory problems develop
New York, September 9 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has clarified that antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza should be taken by people who have been hospitalized with flu like symptoms or by people who are at an enhanced risk for complications from the disease.
Roche’s Tamiflu and GlaxoSmithKline’s Relenza have proven to be effective in thwarting the spread of the swine flu virus in the body. These medicine work best if administered within 12 to 48 hours of the start of symptoms.
According to updated antiviral treatment guidelines issued by health authorities Tuesday, these antiviral medicines should be given to hospitalized patients without waiting for influenza test results.
Anne Schuchat, the director of CDC's National Center for Immunization & Respiratory Diseases, said, "A key point of the antiviral guidance is that hospitalized patients who are suspected to have influenza need prompt treatment with antiviral medicines. That can be a very important way to reduce the severity of illness.”
“We don't want providers to wait until test results are available, but we want them to start antivirals when you suspect influenza," she added.
The more vulnerable category
The H1N1 symptoms have remained mild for majority of the affected people. There is no evidence to show that the virus has mutated or has assumed a more lethal form.
The CDC avers that under the present scenario most of the affected individuals will need no medications at all.
It was, however, reemphasized that people with underlying health conditions, such as heart problems, asthma or diabetes were highly vulnerable to the influenza.
The very young and the very elderly were also at a high risk of developing complications from the virus. The guidelines also urged pregnant women to be extra cautious of H1N1.
Medications not to be used as a preventive measure
At the same time, the guidelines suggested that the antiviral medicines should not be considered a preventive treatment. If lots of people start taking the antiviral as a preventive measure, virus could become resistant to these drugs.
"We have seen a bit of antiviral resistance already with the 2009 H1N1 strain, and we hope this won't take off. A critical feature is to use these antivirals very carefully so they can have benefit and not lead to problems," said Schuchat.