TBD
WHO: Give at-risk groups anti-flu drugs early
The World Health Organization says doctors shouldn't wait for lab confirmation before giving anti-viral drugs to pregnant women and other at-risk groups with suspected H1N1virus.
WHO medical officer Dr. Nikki Shindo says prescribing antivirals early to vulnerable people with clinical symptoms of that flu can help lower the risk of serious complications.
Nikki Shindo
"People in at risk groups need to be treated with anti-virus as soon as possible when they have flu symptoms. This includes pregnant women, children under two years old, and people with underlying conditions such as respiratory disease."
Children and people with underlying conditions are the ones who experience rapidly worsening conditions, such as breathing difficulties, and high fever for more than three days.
After some in-depth studies, WHO has found that early administration of drugs like Tamiflu could avoid potentially fatal cases.
Shindo said Thursday that Ukraine, Afghanistan and Mongolia have reported their hospitals as being overwhelmed by serious cases.
Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations
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