This is a hot one since it affects the current flu season.
Q17. What is going to happen? Is the oseltamivir resistant strain of H1N1 likely to become the predominant strain of H1N1 worldwide this influenza season?
It is simply too early to know. Information to date indicates that the resistant virus is transmissible from person to person. However, the prevalence of resistant viruses varies widely in European countries and they are predominant only in Norway at present. Previous laboratory studies have found that influenza viruses with this specific resistance mutation can transmit from one animal to another but may not be as infectious when compared with the non-resistant "parent" virus. Thus, it is possible that the resistant strain will not become more common in other countries. Careful monitoring will be required throughout the rest of the season to follow the situation globally.
Q18. How can I protect myself and my family from seasonal influenza ?
Seasonal influenza vaccination is the primary means of influenza prevention.
Following national guidance, people in high-risk groups for influenza complications (i.e older persons, those with chronic conditions, etc) should get vaccinated against influenza, if they have not already done so.
* Seasonal vaccines are effective for those who wish to reduce their risk of influenza and some countries advise use in travelers to influenza-affected countries.
People can also take steps to reduce the spread of influenza:
* Where possible, people infected with influenza should avoid close contact with others
* Basic hygiene measures, particularly covering coughs and sneezes and hand-washing, are likely effective in reducing the spread of influenza
Antiviral drugs that are active against seasonal influenza viruses, including the resistant H1N1 virus, are available in many countries.
Source:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/oseltamivir_faqs/en/index.html
Q17. What is going to happen? Is the oseltamivir resistant strain of H1N1 likely to become the predominant strain of H1N1 worldwide this influenza season?
It is simply too early to know. Information to date indicates that the resistant virus is transmissible from person to person. However, the prevalence of resistant viruses varies widely in European countries and they are predominant only in Norway at present. Previous laboratory studies have found that influenza viruses with this specific resistance mutation can transmit from one animal to another but may not be as infectious when compared with the non-resistant "parent" virus. Thus, it is possible that the resistant strain will not become more common in other countries. Careful monitoring will be required throughout the rest of the season to follow the situation globally.
Q18. How can I protect myself and my family from seasonal influenza ?
Seasonal influenza vaccination is the primary means of influenza prevention.
Following national guidance, people in high-risk groups for influenza complications (i.e older persons, those with chronic conditions, etc) should get vaccinated against influenza, if they have not already done so.
* Seasonal vaccines are effective for those who wish to reduce their risk of influenza and some countries advise use in travelers to influenza-affected countries.
People can also take steps to reduce the spread of influenza:
* Where possible, people infected with influenza should avoid close contact with others
* Basic hygiene measures, particularly covering coughs and sneezes and hand-washing, are likely effective in reducing the spread of influenza
Antiviral drugs that are active against seasonal influenza viruses, including the resistant H1N1 virus, are available in many countries.
Source:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/oseltamivir_faqs/en/index.html
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