increased rates of resistance found in Europe, US and Canada

February 2008 

One of three types of the seasonal influenza A virus currently circulating in the United States, Canada and parts of Europe has shown increased rates of resistance to the antiviral drug oseltamivir (marketed in Australia as Tamiflu). The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently assessing the extent and geographical spread of the oseltamivir-resistant viruses. However, to date, no changes have been made to the organisation's recommendation that oseltamivir be used to treat human cases of influenza and WHO has not changed any of its recommendations regarding H5N1 treatment and pandemic preparations. Neither Japan, where the drug is widely prescribed for seasonal influenza, nor Hong Kong has seen increased resistance to date.

Content Updated ( Friday, 22 February 2008 )