Tamiflu- An Effectual Treatment for Avian Influenza
Bird Flu, also known as avian influenza is a common infection
of birds; there are actually 144 different strands of the avian
flu virus virus, with varying intensity in symptoms and
contagiousness.
However, one strand which has been a matter of deep concern in
particular is H5N1; it has not only been transmitted to humans,
but caused a mortality rate of over 50%. The virus can easily
transmit to humans through direct poultry contact; it can also
be transmitted through mammals such as pigs.
The avian flu virus is rapidly becoming a matter of concern
because of its mutational capability. Once started, it's nearly
impossible to control the fatal effects of the virus. Antiviral
medications such as Tamiflu,
Relenza
,
Amantadi
ne and
Rimanta
dine are available for the treatment and prevention of human
flu viruses but there effectuality for the current type of avian
flu is still doubtful.
The latest arrival in the series of neuraminidase inhibitor (NI)
class of medicines is
Tamiflu
, the capsule is an antiviral medication used to paralyze the
viruses in your body. It is used for the treatment of unfussy
acute infirmity due to influenza contagion.
The medication is also efficient against all common strains of
influenza i.e. 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.
Recent tests revealed that Tamiflu can be very effectual against
the treatment of Avian Influenza. According to experts Tamiflu
can be a very effective against Avian Influenza. If taken
properly, it can be of immense use in fighting the dreaded avian
flu.
A study vindicated that Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is effective
against the strain that is now hitting Vietnam and Thailand.
Tamiflu is a neuraminidase inhibitor; it blocks the action of
the viral enzymes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
mentioned Tamiflu as the drug for tackling bird flu if ever a
human pandemic breaks out.
Tamiflu is not a substitute for a flu vaccination. You should
therefore continue receiving an annual flu vaccination. It is
also not known whether this medicine is excreted in human milk.
You should therefore, use this drug only if the potential
benefit justifies the potential risk to the breast-fed infant.
So avoid Tamiflu without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
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