A former professor of molecular biology at the Australian National University says deaths caused by the influenza A virus could be prevented by making the flu antiviral drug available over the counter.
A 48-year-old Adelaide woman died earlier this week after testing positive to the same strain of the flu which has killed several people around Australia.
Professor Laver spent most of his career researching influenza and says the requirement to have the antiviral drug administered by a doctor is a disincentive.
"So the best thing is to stop virus replication right at the start as soon as you feel the symptoms come on," he said.
"Now the only way I can see to do this is to get the people able to buy the antiviral drug over-the-counter at the chemist without a prescription."
Tags: health, influenza, australia
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