WHO Mulls Ways Of Using Antivirals In Flu Fight

The World Health Organisation said Tuesday that it will consult experts on the way anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu are used to tackle the swine flu pandemic, and possible drug resistance.

“In the coming days we’re having technical consultations by teleconference regarding antivirals,” said spokeswoman Aphaluck Bhatiasevi.

“But as of now WHO’s recommendations for use of antivirals has not changed,” she added.

“They will be looking at specifics related to antiviral resistance and use of oseltamivir. WHO’s recommendation for use of oseltamivir is for treatment,” she underlined.

Oseltamivir is the active ingredient of Tamiflu, one of two drugs the WHO recommends to treat influenza A(H1N1).

Different countries have gradually evolved different approaches on the use of Tamiflu — normally a prescription drug — and some have been distributing it more widely to fearful populations than others.

But some doctors have expressed fears that excessive use, especially for preventive purposes or to tackle mild symptoms, could lead to the development of wider drug resistance and reduce the effectiveness of Tamiflu.

Health officials in Canada recently identified a case of drug resistance, adding to cases in Denmark, Hong Kong and Japan.

Roche, the manufacturers of Tamiflu, has said it expects a 0.5 percent rate of case resistance based on clinical trials.

Soft Toys ‘Flu Risk’, Schools Told

Childminders and nurseries should take soft toys away from children to stop the spread of swine flu, according to official guidance.

Sharing pencils, crayons and musical instruments should also be discouraged, and school assemblies avoided in the case of a pandemic, it says.

The guidance is contained in documents published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families on planning for a human flu pandemic.

The guides, which apply to swine flu, give advice on reducing the spread of infection.

One, for childminders, says: “Clean hard toys after use as the virus can survive on hard surfaces.

“Try to avoid children sharing soft toys, as these are hard to clean adequately; you may find it easier to avoid using soft toys altogether.”

A second guide for schools and nurseries says: “Discourage the sharing of pencils, crayons and pens during a pandemic.

“Encourage the wiping and cleaning of hands and objects when passing round objects like musical instruments or toys.

“Because of the difficulty in cleaning soft toys adequately, remove communal soft toys.

“Do not allow children to share wind instruments.”