Assuming H5N1 did become pandemic, we are now building huge stockpiles of two antivirals -- Tamiflu and Relenza -- that appear they could be tremendously effective against avian flu H5N1 because they specifically target neuraminidase (the "N" part of the name.) Research at St. Jude's Research Hospital has shown that H5N1 appears to express the highest level of neuraminidase of any flu since 1957.
Other studies show the drugs can effectively kill two birds with one stone by both preventing a person from getting the flu or, if they do get it, from transmitting it.
A review of four of them in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that preventative administration of Relenza reduced the chance of becoming infected by 75 percent, reduced the chance of transmission by 19 percent, and reduced the severity of illness by 52 percent. For Tamiflu preventative administration reduced the chance of becoming infected by 81 percent, reduced the chance of by transmission by 80 percent, and reduced the severity of illness by 56 percent.
BTA Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
