TAMIFLU RESISTANCE of H1N1 Influenza Virus for NOv 23, 2009

When you 'read' the www.CDC.gov and other government sites, be sure to note the DATE of the article/page you are reading. Some information is already 'outdated' and even professionals have difficulty interpreting the best of the data provided. Also, remember there is a simple 'lag period' between final compilation of a week's data and it's being published and reported. I continue to suggest that everyone not panic over talk of the emergence of 'tamiflu (Oseltamivir) resistant H1N1 Influenza Virus strains'. Here's the link for the latest update for tamiflu (oseltamivir) resistance http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/  for 2009-2010 Influenza Season Week 45 ending November 14, 2009. Discovery of resistant H1N1 cases have been identified, and the number was up for this last week 45, Nov 7-14, but the TAMIFLU RESISTANCE IS STILL NOT WIDESPREAD in the US. The news you are hearing about resistant H1N1 strains is largely overseas in Wales and England.  Rest assured the US healthcare community is closely monitoring this resistance issue and I will report any major developments to you here and in my newsletter (to receive the newsletter, email: BarbaraKSexton@aol.com ) 
Note that even where there is Tamiflu resistance, Relenza (zanamivir) still works! 

Some details for those interested are below from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/ --
"The majority of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses are susceptible to the neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medication oseltamivir; however, rare sporadic cases of oseltamivir resistant 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been detected worldwide. A total of 21 cases of oseltamivir resistant 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been identified in the United States since April 2009. In specimens collected since September 1, 2009, 11 cases have been identified in the United States, including seven newly identified cases since last week and one case reported during a previous week that was reclassified. All tested viruses retain their sensitivity to the neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir. Of the 21 cases, 12 patients had documented exposure to oseltamivir through either treatment or chemoprophylaxis, eight patients are under investigation to determine exposure to oseltamivir, and one patient had no documented oseltamivir exposure. Occasional development of oseltamivir resistance during treatment or prophylaxis is not unexpected. Enhanced surveillance and increased availability of testing performed at CDC are expected to detect additional cases of oseltamivir resistant 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses, and such cases will be investigated to assess the spread of resistant strains in the community."

Now here is an overall update on the H1N1 Flu in the US:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm

1) Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally decreased again this week over last week.

2) Influenza hospitalization rates are beginning to decline but remain higher than expected for this time of year.

3) The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report decreased slightly but is still higher than what is expected for this time of year and has remained elevated for seven weeks now. In addition, 21 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week: 15 of these deaths were associated with laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1; 6 were influenza A viruses, but were not subtyped. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 171 laboratory-confirmed pediatric 2009 H1N1 deaths, one influenza B death, and another 28 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but the flu virus subtype was not determined.

4) Forty-three states are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time; a decline of three states from last week

5) Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.

6)  Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception
So...remember to stay vigilante regarding exposing yourself to people who are sick, stay out of circulation if YOU are sick, get a vaccine if you are so inclined,  be careful with your holiday traveling, get enough rest and fresh air, eat healthy and drink in a healthy manner, manage stress and BE WELL THIS THANKSGIVING SEASON. Reverend Barbara Sexton 11/23/09