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Colds and Flu:
Anti-virals relating to H5N1, Avian (bird) influenza and you. (Part 5)
NOTE: An anti-viral drug is not the same as a vaccine. A vaccine can be taken before the flu season whereas Antivirals are taken immediately when flu symptoms appear.
Stockpiling Tamiflu, Relenza or other antiviral medications at home is not a good idea.
Some strains of H5N1 are already resistant to Tamiflu. If many people start taking the drug before it is needed, that could increase the chance that drug-resistant viruses could emerge.
CDC WARNING: Amantadine and Rimantadine (trade names Symmetrel and Flumadine) appear not to be working. CDC's director, Dr. Julie Gerberding said mid-January 2006 that 91 % of samples of the main flu virus (H3N2) were showing resistance to the two drugs.
Here are some of the key anti-viral players who are also working on Vaccines:
(all links open in a new window or tab)
(more links are on the 'links and Downloads' page)
http://www.chiron.com/
» Chiron says, "Vaccination against influenza not only decreases the risk of illness but also helps prevent the spread of the influenza virus."
Chiron produces FLUVIRIN®, an approved prescription drug.
http://www.sanofipasteur.com/
»
Sanofi Pasteur is to produce 100 M US dollars of vaccine against H5N1 influenza
virus for U.S. government
http://www.MedImmune.com
MedImmune Vaccines, Inc produces a spray. See more at
www.flumist.com®
http://www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases.htm
» GlaxoSmithKline [NYSE:GSK] announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its influenza vaccine FLUARIXTM® for distribution in time for the 2006
influenza season.
http://www.tamiflu.com/
» According to the FDA (see below), Tamiflu® vaccine is for treating adults, adolescents, and pediatric
patients 1year of age and older with the flu whose flu symptoms started within
the last day or two. Tamiflu is also used to reduce the chance of getting the
flu in people age 13 and older who have a higher chance of getting the flu
because they spend time with someone who has the flu. Tamiflu can also reduce
the chance of getting the flu if there is a flu outbreak in the community.
Tamiflu® is an anti-viral drug produced by Roche.
http://www.fda.gov
» The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves all new drugs within the USA.
They offer quite a bit of information on Pandemics, (Avian) Flu, new drugs
against bird flu and anti-influenza drugs.
FRANKFURT (AFX) - Lanxess AG said recent tests with influenza showed its Preventol CD 601 disinfectant is 'highly effective' against the H5N1 avian flu virus. The company said the disinfectant is particularly suited for animal pens.
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Note: In an effort to ensure enough anti-viral drugs in case of a pandemic, some of these companies are allowing their drugs to be reproduced by others.
Note 2: Of the three vaccines currently licensed for children, Fluzone (Sanofi Pasteur) can be used in children as young as 6 months of age; Fluvirin (Chiron), for children beginning at age 4 years; and FluMist (MedImmune), beginning at age 5 years. The newly licensed vaccine Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline) may only be given to persons age 18 years and older. (10/05)
Next: » Family Planning Check List (Part 1)
Related Articles:
» Is mine a Cold or Influenza?
» Part 2: What is a common Cold? - facts and tips.
» What is Influenza? - differences between colds and flu.
» Flu Vaccines and Vaccinations - preventative measures.
» Anti-viral drugs and immunization facts and links.
(the Treating Pneumonia article is here »)