katyzzzTamiflu and working
July 26th 2006 23:36
Capsules of tamiflu with star anise fruit and pods
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36,000 people die from the flu each year. [ref]. A new threat is the avian, or bird flu. The latest outbreak has infected more than 140 people in Asia and Europe. In February 2006, it migrated into Africa. [ref]. Health experts fear that it could eventually mutate into a form that could pass from person to person and set off a worldwide pandemic.
There are, however, a few antiviral prescription drugs that can lessen the severity and cut the duration of the flu as well as prevent infection if you've been exposed. Tamiflu is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs.
StockPiling Tamiflu :
The problem with any antiviral drug is that the virus can develop resistance to it. Doctors are concerned that the flu could become resistant to Tamiflu, just as the influenza A strain has become resistant to the antiviral drugs Symmetrel (amantadine) and Flumadine (rimantadine).
Some flu strains have already shown resistance to Tamiflu, including those found in a few patients with the avian flu. Health officials are concerned that during a pandemic, when infection persists for a longer period, the risk for resistance could be even higher.
With fears rising about a potential bird flu pandemic, it's not surprising that many Americans are thinking about keeping their own supply of the antiviral drug. But is it a good idea? Many health experts warn against the practice, saying that it's often difficult to know whether you have the flu or just a garden-variety cold, and taking Tamiflu too often could lead to the development of drug-resistant virus strains. The World Health Organization has recommended that governments stockpile antiviral medications in advance of a pandemic to ensure that sufficient supplies are available.
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