Experts predict Tamiflu could halve the pandemic influenza death toll versus no in...( ther reduces the attack and death rate ...),Health

ther reduces the attack and death rate and provides a health benefit at a reasonable cost. The research also showed that pre-pandemic vaccination programmes would play an important role but their effectiveness would be dependent upon how well the vaccine was matched to the virus.1

The World Health Organisation provides a strong recommendation for the use of Tamiflu for the prevention of avian flu in people who have been in contact with someone who is known, or suspected of being infected with the virus, commented Professor Ira Longini, Professor of Biostatistics and Mathematics at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. This research suggests that a similar approach may also be an effective strategy in the event of an actual pandemic outbreak, especially as it is unlikely that a vaccine fully matched to the strain will be available in the initial wave of a pandemic.

Prophylaxis with antivirals or vaccines

Vaccination is the primary means of preventing influenza. However, at the beginning of a pandemic, supplies of vaccines which are fully matched to the pandemic strain will be limited or non-existent. This is because vaccine production can only start once the specific pandemic virus has been determined. The first doses of a matched vaccine are unlikely to become available within the early months of the pandemic, making prophylaxis and treatment with antivirals a crucial part in the efforts to reduce the burden of pandemic influenza.4

In an environment full of uncertainties, it is best to have a comprehensive plan in place, said Arnold Monto, professor of epidemiology and influenza expert at the University of Michigan. Tamiflu is active against all types of influenza virus and will be immediately available during a pandemic if stockpiles are adequate. The big question is, should we be stockpiling for treatment only or for both treatment and prophylaxis"

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Contact: Lucy Rispin
lucy.rispin@ketchum.com
44-207-611-3621
Ketchum
22-Jun-2007


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