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• Where is the evidence that shows the effectiveness of Tamiflu in preventing death caused by swine flu infection?

  Posted by charlie 1/05/2009 9:55:10 AM

• Relenza is another, equally effective option and it is based on Australian research and is made in Australia. As long as you can overcome the fact that it is an inhaler. If there is a bad pandemic, I doubt most people would care. It is probably good that antivirals are not available NOW, as they may well be wasted; hopefully any pandemic will not hit until we are well stocked with antivirals again.

  Posted by Attila Danko 30/04/2009 5:29:13 PM

• Great advice Dr Tan, but how do you get Tamiflu.... there is none available at any pharmacy in Perth.

  I got back from New York on the weekend and was getting a runny nose and slight cough yesterday. I am due to fly to Meekatharra tomorrow for a week work at the hospital...so I went to get a script in.case I got worse... knowing that Meekatharra probably does not stock Tamiflu..the pharmacist said ... sorry non available till end of next week!

  Posted by elena ghergori 30/04/2009 2:16:27 PM

• A rapid but non-specific influenza test is available at our lab (Dorevitch) enabling treatment decisions to be made the same day. I would not think it is necessary to know it is swine flu, as long as you know it is influenza.

  Posted by Attila Danko 30/04/2009 11:43:17 AM

• "...antivirals should be considered in more severe cases confirmed by viral testing."

  Tamiflu: 'Treatment should commence ASAP but no later than 48hrs after the onset of initial symptoms.' (From MINS)

  So, start Tamiflu before any confirmation!

  Posted by Dr X. Tan 30/04/2009 9:39:38 AM

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