CDC says Swine Flu virus is sensitive to zanamivir (Relenza brand) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu brand) antiviral drugs
and who should get the drugs...
April 28, 2009 05:00 AM ET
Who should get the drugs...
1. patients with confirmed cases of swine flu
2. patients with probable or suspected swine flu
3. people with close contacts to patients above
A confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an acute febrile respiratory illness with laboratory confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection at CDC by one or more of the following tests:
- real-time RT-PCR
- viral culture
A probable case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an acute febrile respiratory illness who is:
- positive for influenza A, but negative for H1 and H3 by influenza RT-PCR, or
- positive for influenza A by an influenza rapid test or an influenza immunofluorescence assay (IFA) plus meets criteria for a suspected case
A suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with acute febrile respiratory illness with onset
- within 7 days of close contact with a person who is a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, or
- within 7 days of travel to community either within the United States or internationally where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza A(H1N1) cases, or
- resides in a community where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza cases.
Infectious period for a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as 1 day prior to the case?s illness onset to 7 days after onset.
Close contact is defined as: within about 6 feet of an ill person who is a confirmed or suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection during the case?s infectious period.
Acute respiratory illness is defined as recent onset of at least two of the following: rhinorrhea or nasal congestion, sore throat, cough (with or without fever or feverishness)
High-risk groups: A person who is at high-risk for complications of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as the same for seasonal influenza (see MMWR: Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2008).
Special Considerations for Children
Aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate ? Pepto Bismol) should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected ill case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection aged 18 years old and younger due to the risk of Reye syndrome. For relief of fever, other anti-pyretic medications are recommended such as acetaminophen or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Swine Flue Antiviral Resistance
This swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is sensitive (susceptible) to the neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medications zanamivir and oseltamivir.
It is resistant to the adamantane antiviral medications, amantadine and rimantadine.
This information obtained from the CDC.
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