Hats Off To The WHO

The World Health Organisation is doing an incredible job

The World Health Organisation is giving advice to a number of grug companies which are busy researching and developing new treatments and vaccines for the H1N1 influenza virus. In particular the companies are keen to find out whether to increase production of flu jabs, to produce seasonal influenza vaccines or to manufacture a combination of the two.

Of particular concern is the fact that in three different cases the H1N1 swine influenza virus has resisted treatment with Tamiflu. These cases which occurred in Hong Kong, Japan and Denmark have led to calls for a vaccine to be produced quickly.

However other experts said that people should not be unduly concerned by the isolated incidences because in any case the influenza medication Relenza made by GlaxoSmithKline was seen to be effective in treating them and they have all fully recovered. 

This is important because it shows that the virus has not got to the stage where it is untreatable with either Tamiflu or Relenza and therefore provided the right treatment is given quickly people should not worry excessively about getting the H1N1 swine flu virus.

The World Health Organisation is doing an incredible job in monitoring any new outbreaks of swine influenza around the world so that its patterns and mutations can be clearly documented and any dangerous developments can be dealt with almost instantly. This cooperation between nations all around the world is what is needed to face this pandemic situation and provided that the exceptional leadership from the WHO continues the world should be safe.

Ms. Marie-Paule Kieny, the WHO director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research will be giving a press conference outlining new swine flu recommendations and strategies from the WHO on Tuesday. Along with washing your hands regularly, Tamiflu and Relenza are still the most effective defences against H1N1 swine flu.