The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has been observing an increase in the incidence of resistance to the drug Tamiflu, an oral medication used to treat influenza. Last year's flu season revealed a 12% incidence of Tamiflu resistance however this year, preliminary data from the CDC suggests that resistance is approaching 100%. Alternative oral medications are available but can be given to adults only.
This makes for a stronger case for getting the influenza vaccine yearly since the alternative of treatment, using potentially ineffective treatment from drug-resistance, seems to be less attractive.
The flu vaccine is indicated for anyone with asthma, COPD or other chronic illnesses.
Check the following links:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-02-fluvirus-Tamifluresistant_N.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/
This makes for a stronger case for getting the influenza vaccine yearly since the alternative of treatment, using potentially ineffective treatment from drug-resistance, seems to be less attractive.
The flu vaccine is indicated for anyone with asthma, COPD or other chronic illnesses.
Check the following links:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-02-fluvirus-Tamifluresistant_N.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/
No comments:
Post a Comment