H1N1 Might Be Developing Antiviral Resistance

There are signs the H1N1 virus is developing resistance to the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), prompting "medical experts to exercise caution when prescribing the antiviral drugs in patients with flu symptoms," the Bangkok Post reports. According to the newspaper, the topic will be addressed during a WHO meeting today as well as ways developing countries can best contain the pandemic.

"Thailand resorted heavily to oseltamivir when treating patients with suspected and confirmed bird flu but experienced an increase in cases developing a resistance to the drug," the newspaper writes (Treerutkuarkul/Intathep, Bangkok Post, 6/18).

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