Bird Flu/Avian Influenza Treatment

Treatment for Bird Flu

Treatment of bird flu includes-

• Isolation of the patient
• Treatment with antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). Oseltamivir might also be prescribed to other members of the family as a preventive measure. This virus is resistant to anti-influenza medicines

  like amantadine and rimantadine. Therefore, they should not be used for treating bird flu.

• Seriously ill patients may require to be put on a ventilator.

References:

1. US NIOSH certified N-95, European CE P2, or comparable national/regional standards applicable to the country of manufacture. Higher level particulate respirators may also be used.
2. In the control of the outbreak of avian influenza in the Netherlands in 2003, N95 or equivalent respiratory protection was used.
3. For treatment, oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu�): 75 mg capsule twice daily, for 5 days.
4. All concerned (persons at risk both environmentally and occupationally) should be vaccinated with the current WHO recommended influenza vaccine as soon as possible prior to anticipated risk exposure (2 weeks are required to develop preventive immunity by vaccination.). This does not specifically protect against H5N1.