Antiviral Drugs and The Swine Flu – Getting Equipped

I believe and maintain that a rational and effective antidote to fear or panic with respect to a possible impending crisis is information and knowledge.  At the present time, there appears to be an atmosphere of significant apprehension and panic surrounding the spread of the Swine Flu, and particularly so as we approach the upcoming 2-3 months of the Fall season.  While efforts are well in place with respect to making the Swine Flu vaccine available to all, it is also important for everyone to be equipped with at least a cursory level of knowledge vis-a-vis the antiviral drugs that can be used both for the prevention and treatment of Swine Flu.  Here are some facts that will be of help to you.

Antiviral drugs are prescription medications that are active against Influenza viruses, including the Swine Flu virus.  These medications are effective only against Influenza viruses, that is,  they are incapable of preventing or treating symptoms caused by other viruses.  There are essentially four Influenza antiviral drugs that are currently approved for use in the United States.  These are:

1.  Oseltamivir

2.  Zanamivir

3.  Amantadine

4.  Rimantadine

The H1N1 viruses that have been detected in the United States and Mexico appear to be resistant to the drugs Amantadine and Rimantadine.   Tests conducted thus far indicate that the H1N1 viruses are susceptible to Oseltamivir and Zanamavir.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is presently recommending the use of Oseltamivir or Zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with Swine Influenza viruses.  Additionally, recommendations from the CDC state that:

• Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu ®) is approved to both treat and prevent Influenza A and B virus infection in people one year of age and older.
• Zanamivir (brand name Relenza ®) is approved to treat Influenza A and B virus infection in people 7 years and older and to prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people 5 years and older.

HOW ANTIVIRAL DRUGS MAY HELP

PREVENTION:  Antiviral drugs can be used to prevent Influenza.  When given to a person who is not ill, but who may have been exposed to another person or persons with Swine Flu, these drugs are about 70 to 90% effective.  For preventative purposes, the number of days they may be used will vary in light of each individual’s exposure or unique circumstance.

TREATMENT:  Antiviral drugs are beneficial from the perspective of treatment in that they may help speed up recovery and reduce the intensity or severity of symptoms.  These drugs can also help prevent serious Influenza-related complications.  Ideally, they should be given soon after the onset of illness, particularly to those who may be at high risk for Influenza related complications.

INTERIM GUIDELINES & RESOURCES FOR USE OF ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS FOR THE SWINE FLU

Recommendations issued by the CDC for the use of antivirals drugs may change as data on antiviral effectiveness,  adverse events from antiviral use, antiviral susceptibility, and other critical data become available.  Current guidelines for use of antiviral medications can be accessed at the following link: 

Interim Guidance on Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection and Their Close Contacts

Dosage recommendations for use of antiviral medications for both adults and children with respect to treatment of the Novel H1N1 infection may be accessed at the following link.  Additionally, dosage recommendations for children less than 1 year of age can also be accessed through the same link:

Dosage Recommendations 

Finally, information on side effects, possible adverse effects, contra-indications, and drug interactions associated with the use of antiviral medications may be accessed at:  

Antiviral Agents for Seasonal Influenza – Side Effects and Adverse Reactions.

Now, there may be many reading this post who may not take the time to follow the links or study the resources provided above.  But, those who do will become less apprehensive, more informed, and better-equipped both to prevent and to address the H1N1 crisis if it were to arise for them or their loved ones in the near future.  To reiterate, kowledge is the perfect antidote to fear – Now is a good time to become equipped with it.