Flu: Reaching Epidemic in New Jersey; Boston declares emergency:-

Flu: Reaching Epidemic in New Jersey; Boston declares emergency:-

Influenza is rampant across the nation and the strain identified is a Type A influenza virus known as H3N2, which is more virulent than Influenza type B. This is the first time in about a decade that influenza is so prevalent this early in the year. 41 states in US are reporting widespread flu activity and Boston declared a public health emergency after 18 deaths and over 700 cases being reported. Children and elderly are badly affected.

CDC and all local health officials throughout the country are encouraging the general public to get vaccinated, even though no vaccine is 100% effective and it takes 10-14 days for the immunity to develop.

The antiviral medication called Tamiflu(oseltamivir) can give some relief if taken within 48 hours of becoming sick. But a report that came out yesterday from the pharmaceutical company Roche Holding (manufacturer of Tamiflu) has been another blow to the epidemic management efforts. The company reported that it had a shortage of the liquid formulation of Tamiflu, which is used mainly to slow down or stop the symptoms of the flu in children already infected with the virus. The company is asking pharmacists to create a substitute oral formulation by dissolving Tamiflu capsules into a sweet liquid.

Sanofi Aventis Pharmaceuticals, the largest flu vaccine provider in the United States, said today that it had sold out four of its six formulations of Fluzone seasonal flu vaccine due to the unanticipated late-season demand for vaccines.

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