Treatment/therapy
What is the mechanism of action of tamiflu?
Gregory Zimmer writes: Tamiflu or Oseltamivir is activated to oseltamivir carboxylate, which acts as a neuraminidase (sialidase) inhibitor. Oseltamivir carboxylate selectively inhibits the neuraminidases of influenza A and B, and does not significantly inhibit human lysosomal neuraminidase. Influenza virus neuraminidase is a surface glycoprotein that catalyzes the cleavage of the linkage between a terminal sialic acid and adjacent sugar residue. This action promotes the spread of virus in the respiratory tract by several mechanisms. Viral neuraminidase promotes the release of virions from infected cells; promotes the penetration of virus into respiratory epithelial cells; prevents the formation of viral aggregates; prevents viral inactivation by respiratory mucus; induces cellular apoptosis by activating transforming growth factor beta; and induces cytokines including interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor. Oseltamivir carboxylate acts extracellularly and binds to an unoccupied area of influenza neuraminidase that results in competitive inhibition of the enzyme.
Dan Szyprowski writes: TAMIFLU is a medicine to treat flu. It belongs to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. These medications attack the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside your body. TAMIFLU treats flu at its source by attacking the virus that causes the flu, rather than simply masking symptoms. Each TAMIFLU capsule contains 75 mg of active drug and should be taken by mouth. TAMIFLU is generally well tolerated. TAMIFLU may cause mild-to-moderate nausea or vomiting in one out of 10 people. Taking TAMIFLU with food may reduce the potential for these side effects. Other less common side effects may include bronchitis, and sleeplessness.
What other treatments are available?
Gregory Zimmer writes: as far as Drugs are concerned, oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamavir (Relenza) are the only drugs that have been at all effective against the H5N1 Strain of the Influenza A Virus. There are other treatments like herbal supplements that can be taken to boost your immune system. So far, prevention and quarantine have proven to be the best method in controlling the spread. Scientists have warned that enhanced research needs to be performed in order to develop new vaccines and anti-virus drugs. Other methods of protecting yourself are masks or what are called “Flu Masks.” Such manufacturers like Nanobuddy manufacture the Nanomask, which is said to be the leader in Bird Flu Protection. 3M also Manufactures Avian Flu Respirators which have the same concept of the “Flu Masks”.
Dan Szyprowski writes: Other treatments are antiviral medications used to treat human flu viruses appear to be effective in treating avian flu.
Why was there a shortage of flu vaccine in 2004/2005?
Ashley Guiliani, Joe Hosie, Josh Janese, Sean Ordway, and Marty Krimmel write: In 2004, one of the two British Companies that produced vaccines for America, Chiron Corp. had its license suspended for three months due to contamination problems. The vaccines were contaminated with the bacteria Serratia. Serratia is found in the environment and although usually not dangerous to healthy people, it can cause problems when injected.
Why can't we just stockpile it for future years?
Ashley Guiliani, Joe Hosie, Josh Janese, Sean Ordway, and Marty Krimmel write: The vaccine has to be produced months in advance due to technological limitations thus, any contamination or mutation to the flu virus that causes the process to be started over again will cause a shortage. Companies for financial reasons try not to produce too much because any extra vaccine must be destroyed when the virus mutates. Also, vaccine production is relatively unprofitable so there are few companies who produce the vaccine.
Why can't we make a universal vaccine?