Saturday, August 22, 2009

NC: WNC youths show resistance to flu medication

August 22, 2009
Staff Reports

A Buncombe County youth who tested positive last month for swine flu was one of two campers at Camp Blue Star in Henderson County found to be resistant to flu medication.

Both campers became ill with H1N1 last month while receiving Tamiflu following exposure to other ill campers, according to a news release from the Buncombe County Health Center. Both campers have since recovered.

State public health officials said caregivers across the state are being reminded that use of antiviral medications as prevention may be considered for persons with higher risk of complications or for health care workers with an unprotected exposure to influenza.

Overuse of an antiviral drug increases the likelihood for developing resistance to the treatment, according to the news release. Antiviral treatment is recommended for all patients with confirmed, probable or suspected cases of 2009 influenza H1N1 virus infection who are hospitalized or who are at higher risk for influenza complications.

hat-tip Pixie

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