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Tamiflu and Avian Flu Treatment

The bird flu, or avian influenza, is a type of influenza that is carried in birds. There are 15 different types of avian influenzas carried by birds and there have been reported cases of the type A avian influenza virus being contracted by humans. The main way a human could contract the bird flu is through contact with contaminated poultry and/or surfaces. The virus can also be carried by pigs.

What makes this virus a concern for the world's health is that the virus has mutated and become resistant to medicine. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, Relenza, Amantadine and Rimantadine used to treat human flu viruses help to reduce the symptoms of bird flu, but it's not yet clear whether these work for the current type of bird flu.

Tamiflu is the latest of the neuraminidase inhibitor (NI) class of medicines designed specifically to prevent the influenza virus from spreading and infecting other cells. It is effective against all common strains of influenza (types A and B). The medication targets one of two major surface structures on the influenza virus, the neuraminidase protein. The neuraminidase protein is virtually the same in all common strains of influenza. If neuraminidase is inhibited, the virus is not able to infect new cells.

In pre-clinical testing, Tamiflu demonstrated activity against the influenza virus responsible the 1997 Hong Kong outbreak, (also an ' H5N1 ' strain), at concentrations equivalent to those of the 75 mg twice daily dose approved for treating influenza in humans. If taken properly, it can be of immense use in fighting the dreaded avian flu.

Tamiflu is also effective in children, reducing the severity and duration of influenza symptoms. In addition, Tamiflu prevented influenza developing in 89% of adults and adolescents who have been in close contact with influenza-infected patients.

Tamiflu, which is available as capsules and in a suspension formulation for children was launched in the UK in January 2003. To date, Tamiflu has been used to treat around 10 million influenza sufferers in over 50 countries worldwide.