Does current medication offer protection against swine flu?
Relenza and Tamiflu are not cures. The drugs lessen the effects of the symptoms, and can mean the difference between life and death in marginal cases. Primary Care Trusts are supposed to have a two-week supply, from national stockpiles. Q: How dangerous is it? A: Thousands of people have been made ill by swine flu – with some cases proving fatal. Tests show that the antiviral drugs oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) appear to be effective against the human swine influenza H1N1 strain. Q: Should we be worried about it? A: No – but we should take sensible precautions. The World Health Organisation has warned that the outbreak has “pandemic potential” and countries have been advised to step up surveillance and preparation in case the infection spreads rapidly. Flu viruses have the ability to change and mutate, making it difficult for drugs manufacturers to ensure effective vaccines are available. The new version of the H1N1 virus is a mix of different animal and human versions
