Tamiflu Ineffective in Treating Swine Flu in Children

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal has found that the antiviral medication Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, has little to no effect on preventing complications in children with swine flu. The study, led by Dr. Matthew Thompson from the University of Oxford, suggests that while Tamiflu may shorten the duration of flu in children by up to a day and a half, it does not prevent asthma flare-ups, ear infections, or the need for antibiotics. In fact, the medication is linked to an increased risk of vomiting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tamiflu has no effect on preventing asthma flare-ups, ear infections, or the need for antibiotics in children with swine flu.
  • The medication shortens the duration of flu in children by up to a day and a half, but does not prevent complications.
  • Tamiflu is linked to an increased risk of vomiting in children.
  • The study reveals the effectiveness of using antivirals to contain the spread of flu, with 13 people needing to be treated to prevent one additional case.
  • School age children are the main source of spread of flu into households, with over 3 in 10 (30%) school age children getting the virus during seasonal flu epidemics.

Statistics:

  • 40% of pre-school children get the flu virus during seasonal flu epidemics.
  • 30% of school age children get the flu virus during seasonal flu epidemics.
  • 13 people need to be treated with Tamiflu to prevent one additional case of flu.
  • Tamiflu reduces transmission of flu by 8%.

Sources:

  • "Oseltamivir treatment for influenza in children 1 to 12 years of age" published in the British Medical Journal
  • University of Oxford study led by Dr. Matthew Thompson