13th death in Pune,fresh guidelines on Tamiflu use

Dr S B Nadoni,Regional Director of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) told The Indian Express that these measures did not indicate a shortage of Tamiflu and the primary reason for restricting the use of Tamiflu was the side effects associated with the drug. Officials were quick to clarify that each district would be receiving a supply of 10,000 tablets in a day or two and that Pune itself was in possession of two lakh tablets.

So far even close contacts of the patient infected with swine flu were administered chemoprophylaxis (preventive treatment of one tablet of Tamiflu for ten days). A household survey has revealed that the infection has spread rapidly in the city and hence it would not be advisable to prescribe Tamiflu to all the patients with mild symptoms. The categories of patients have been revised and Category A patients,that is,those with mild fever,cold and cough being will not be administered Tamiflu and will simply be prescribed rest and confinement.

Tamiflu will be given to Category B patients,those with high grade fever and severe throat infection. This category will include children below 5 years,pregnant women and people above 65 years whose immunity is compromised due to liver disease or a blood disorder. Tamiflu will be given to these patients without conducting an H1N1 test and they will be told to stay home.