Bird Flu Drugs and Medication
Anti-viral Drugs and Medications for the H5N1 Bird flu?
Until such time as a proven vaccine has been developed and made available to fight the H5N1 Bird Flu virus - which is still several months away, treatment of the Bird Flu is limited to a limited number of anti-viral drugs and medications that have primarily been developed to fight other strains of influenza.
At least 2 existing anti-viral drugs have been found to be effective in slowing the growth of the Bird Flu virus and prevent the infection becoming worse.
It is certain that an influenza pandemic will happen one day. The H5N1 Bird Flu virus that is found in some countries could become a pandemic influenza virus at any time and therefore the use of any anti-viral drugs or medications that can limit the development of the Bird Flu virus in humans is considered prudent until such time as a vaccine becomes available.
Anti-viral Drugs
In addition to vaccines, anti-viral drugs are available for both the prevention and treatment of flu. Currently, there are two classes of drugs - Amantadines and Neuraminidase inhibitors. The Amantadines, Amantadine and Rimantadine, are approved for the treatment and prophylaxis of Influenza A only. The Neuraminidase inhibitors Relenza (Zanamivir) and Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) have been approved for the treatment of influenza A and B. Additionally, Tamiflu has been approved by the FDA for the prophylaxis of influenza. The FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research provides a more complete discussion of approved anti-virals on the following related Bird Flu Drugs webpage
To prevent the flu, anti-viral drugs must be taken consistently before infection occurs. When used to reduce the impact of the flu for someone who is already infected, anti-viral drugs must be taken within two days after flu symptoms start. It is important to know that anti-viral drugs can have some potentially serious side effects.
In non-pandemic situations, anti-viral drugs have been useful in helping to control outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes, where many people could become sick with flu and develop serious complications. In addition, anti-virals can be useful in preventing flu in certain individuals who have a weakened immune system and therefore, would not respond to the vaccine, or those who have a known allergic reaction to the vaccine. There are important differences among the influenza anti-viral drugs, including age approved indications, side effects, and costs.
A knowledgeable health care professional should be consulted when they are used.
During a pandemic, anti-viral drugs are likely to play an important, but limited role.
Tamiflu - What is it?
Tamiflu or Oseltamivir is used to treat some types of influenza (flu) in patients who have had symptoms of the flu for two days or less. Oseltamivir is in a class of drugs called Neuraminidase inhibitors. These drugs work by stopping the growth and spread of the Bird Flu virus in your body. Tamiflu helps shorten the time you have flu symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, fever and chills.
How effective is the anti-viral drug Tamiflu against the Bird Flu?
Tamiflu is one of two medicines that are effective against the strains of Bird Flu circulating in birds in Asia. The other is Relenza. Both Tamiflu and Relenza appear to be effective in inhibiting growth and spread of the Bird Flu virus in the human body however they are not to confused with a vaccine that prevent becoming infected with the virus. A Bird Flu vaccine has not yet been developed
.
Will Tamiflu cure people sick with the bird flu virus, H5N1?
It is not known for certain.
When people have seasonal influenza, rather than killing the virus, Tamiflu reduces symptoms and may shorten the duration of illness by a day and a half.
If otherwise healthy people who are ill with influenza take it, they are less likely to develop complications of influenza. Those complications are usually treated with antibiotics.
Does Tamiflu prevent people from getting flu?
Yes it can, but it is not the best means of preventing flu. Vaccination is the best protection against flu, which is why people are encouraged to immunise against seasonal influenza every year.
How does Tamiflu work?
It is a medicine that only works against flu viruses A and B.
It does not work against other viruses or bacteria that can cause illness similar to flu or that can cause respiratory infection. If taken within 48 hours of becoming ill it stops the virus from bursting out of infected cells, infecting new cells and possibly other people.
Can Tamiflu be given to children?
Yes, it can be used to treat influenza in children of ages i year and older.
Who will get the Tamiflu the Government is stockpiling?
Clearly, in a Bird Flu pandemic, there will be a need to use Tamiflu in the most effective way. Details of how it will be prioritised and used can only be confirmed once the exact nature of the pandemic is known.
At this stage, it is likely that Tamiflu will mainly be used for treating people who are sick.
It may also be used to "ringfence" an outbreak in its very early stages. However it is very important to reiterate that the policy is not yet finalised.
Hopefully Tamiflu will be only part of a Government's overall response to a Bird Flu pandemic.
Where to buy Bird Flu Drugs and Medication online:
Tamiflu is offered for purchase by:
Health Solutions Network
Drug Delivery.ca
Pharma-Supplies.com
Medical Management
Relenza is offered for purchase by:
Drug Delivery.ca
Amantadine an alternative Avian Flu medication is offered for purchase by:
Drug Delivery.ca
Vira 38 a possible Avian Flu medication is offered for purchase by:
PRB Pharmaceuticals
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Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information
Anti-Viral Medications from the Centers for Desease Control & Prevention
Further Information about Tamiflu
Further Information about Relenza
Further Information about Amantadine
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