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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Common Flu Exhibits Drug Resistance

Up to 10% of cases in West don't respond to Tamiflu treatment

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(Newser) – A widespread strain of the influenza virus is proving to be resistant to a common treatment, Time reports. The H1N1 virus, a subtype of influenza A (not to be confused with H5N1, the avian or bird flu) has shown rates of resistance of up to 10% in Europe, Canada, and the US for the drug oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu.

Health officials said the resistance is not much to worry about. "Influenza A has been circulating for many years," said one. "It's not likely to cause a pandemic." What’s puzzling is the development of resistance. Norway, which doesn’t generally prescribe Tamiflu, saw a 75% resistance rate, but Japan, where Tamiflu use is common, has just a 3% resistance rate.

An undated company photo provided by Swiss pharmaceutical concern Roche Products shows a worker supervising the package of the Tamiflu. (AP Photo/Keystone, Roche)
An undated company photo provided by Swiss pharmaceutical concern Roche Products shows a worker supervising the package of the Tamiflu. (AP Photo/Keystone, Roche)   (Associated Press)
A flu shot is administered in Barre, Vt., Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004. Flu vaccine manufacturers said on Thursday, Apr. 19, 2007 that they expect to have a record 132 million doses ready for the 2007-2008 flu season. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
A flu shot is administered in Barre, Vt., Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004. Flu vaccine manufacturers said on Thursday, Apr. 19, 2007 that they expect to have a record 132 million doses ready for the 2007-2008...   (Associated Press)
The pharmaceutical drug
The pharmaceutical drug "Tamiflu" of Roche, pictured Sept. 19 2005. (AP Photo/Keystone, Gaetan Bally)   (Associated Press)
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