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H1N1 resistance to Tamiflu does not change the recommendations of the WHO

number of cases of drug resistance in influenza virus H1N1, identified recently in the U.S. and Britain, will not affect the recommendations of the World Health Organization concerning the treatment and prevention of this disease. This, as transmits AP, said ahead of the WHO expert on flu Keiji Fukuda.

According to WHO, drugs previously approved for the treatment of influenza, H1N1, – oseltamivir and zanamivir – remain its effectiveness in the vast majority of cases, wrote Medportal.

Reports of antiviral resistance in influenza viruses received by WHO from the U.S. and Britain this week. In both countries, cases of drug-resistant virus were detected in people with severe disorders of the immune system: AIDS patients and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation.

According to experts, the virus could additional time to adjust to the medication, as a weakened immune system sick was not in a position to fight off the infection.

In general, since the beginning of the spread of new influenza virus this spring in North America, WHO has recorded in various regions of the world 75 cases of drug-resistant strain H1N1.

According to WHO estimates, the prevalence of drug-resistant forms of influenza remains very small. “We do not have complete information, however, seems, do not expect major changes that would affect the epidemiological situation in general, the stability of these viruses to oseltamivir,” – said Mr Fukuda.