H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus is Mutating, Tamiflu May Not Work!

Though conflicting reports continue to come out, the total number of H1N1 or swine flu cases is still on the rise. Vaccine production has been slower than promised and many people are concerned about the safety of the rapidly produced vaccine. What may be particularly troubling is the rapid mutation of the swine flu virus into a more virulent form that is resistant to the primary antiviral treatment, "Tamiflu".

Mutated H1N1 Virus

Thus far, isolated clusters of Tamiflu resistant H1N1 have arisen in Wales, Norway, Brazil and the United States. Viral mutations in each area appear to be isolated, however in most cases the virus has become not only resistant to the standard treatment, it may have also become more virulent. Some cases of mutated virus have reportedly developed changes which allow it to penetrate further into airways and cause a more virulent reaction. Medical officials report that it is to be expected that a virus will mutate and do not appear to be alarmed at the type or threat of mutations thus far.

H1N1 Statistics

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 22 million people in the US have been infected with the virus and approximately 4,000 have died. Obtaining accurate numbers is challenging however, as many people are being discouraged from visiting a hospital or doctor's office to avoid infecting others. In addition, in most areas even when seen by a physician, patients are not being tested to confirm presence of the actual H1N1 virus as the test is quite expensive ($300 per test). In many areas, patients are not being treated at all if they are not within one of the risk category groups which include: age under 5, pregnancy and other health conditions that compromise the immune system.

Worldwide, the gathering of actual statistics appears to be difficult as the Geneva based World Health Organization (WHO) is no longer collecting an up to date accounting of global cases. Inadequate testing of the world population, including the United States and inadequate monitoring of the number of confirmed or suspected cases will certainly pose problems in keeping track of the number of mutated, resistant cases - meaning that this crisis threat may be far from over, though cases are apparently on the decline at the moment.

Options for Treatment

As more resistant cases will certainly emerge, attempting to avoid infection is apparently essential. In addition, as antivirals become ineffective, so may the vaccine lose it's ability to prevent infection. Consequently more people may be turning to natural remedies and alternative treatments such as garlic, Vitamin C, elderberry extract, oil of oregano and shiitake mushroom - all available at your local health food store.

Resources:

Bloomberg.com: Mutated Swine Flu Strains Block Drugs, Worsen Infection
abclocal/KABC: Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 Flu Cluster Reported