Two of the cornerstones of treating influenza are vaccines and antivirals. Vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body, and the antibodies provide protection. To date, there is no vaccine for the H5N1 virus because the virus has not adapted to human to human transmission. It is estimated that if human to human transmission occurs, it will take up to six months to develop an effective vaccine.

These drugs must be started within the first 48 hours of infection in order to help shorten the duration and lessen the severity of disease. Individual flu strains can mutate and become resistant to the drugs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) analysis of the H5N1 strains from Asia have shown resistance to amantadine and rimantadine. This means that if the current H5N1 avian flu causes a pandemic, only oseltamivir and zanamivir can be used to treat it.

At this time, Tamiflu® and Relenza® are the most likely antiviral medications to be used in a pandemic caused by the H5N1 virus. The effectiveness of these antivirals would vary depending on the level of resistance an influenza virus may have to one or more of these medications. No. Although the government is stockpiling antiviral medications, there are not enough now for everyone.

There is not a flu vaccine (also know as a flu shot) against the current avian flu (H5N1) commercially available at this time. However, vaccines are produced each year for seasonal flu ("the flu") that may prevent the flu or lessen symptoms. University Health Services (UHS) schedules "flu shot clinics" during the fall. For more information please see, Flu Shot Update.

Psychostimulant medications, including methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and amphetamines (Dexedrine®, Dextrostat®, and Adderall®), are by far the most widely researched and commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD. Numerous short–term studies have established the safety and efficacy of stimulants and psychosocial treatments for alleviating the symptoms of ADHD.

A. Under the current U.S. National Health and Human Services Plan little if any of the necessary medication would be coming to the San Juans. There are about 6 million courses of medication for the entire nation as of the end of 2005. To complicate matters further, resistance to that particular drug seems to be on the rise. In short, here in the islands we will likely be looking at taking care of our sick much like they did in 1918 (keeping the patient warm, hydrated, and cared for).

Currently available flu vaccines only protect against the currently circulating ordinary flu. The virus causing a pandemic will be so different from the strains in the vaccine that they are very unlikely to provide any significant immunity in a pandemic situation. New vaccine must be developed to match the new pandemic strain. Can any vaccine left from previous years be used? No. It will only provide protection against old strains of influenza virus, not against a new strain.

this time, two drugs in the neuraminidase inhibitor class, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), reduce the severity and duration of the seasonal influenza if administered within 48 hours after symptoms begin. Clinical data is limited for utilization of these drugs with H5N1 viral infections but laboratory data indicates that if administered early, the avian influenza virus will be susceptible.

In addition, an injectable, long-acting (30 day) form of naltrexone (VIVITROL®) became available in 2006.1 These medications have been shown to help people with alcohol dependence reduce their drinking, avoid relapse to heavy drinking, and achieve and maintain abstinence.1 Acamprosate is thought to work by reducing symptoms that follow lengthy abstinence, such as anxiety and insomnia.

Avian influenza, or avian flu, is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes. Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian flu. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness. In addition, the potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian flu virus.

Avian influenza (bird flu) is an infectious disease caused by the type A strains of the influenza virus. These are mainly found in birds and poultry. Avian influenza was first detected in August 2003 in Indonesia. As of early December 2006, the virus has been detected in birds in 30 provinces in Indonesia.

There is no vaccine for humans against avian flu. The vaccine against human influenza virus does not protect against avian flu.

Currently, there is an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Asia and Eastern Europe. This influenza virus, which is of H5N1 type, is highly pathogenic to most domestic birds, that is, it kills many of thosethat become infected. It has also infected some people, and has killed about half of those who are known to be infected. (H and N types refer to the specific strain. There are several different types of avian influenza,and they are identified by these H and N components.

The federal government has established a Web site for avian flu that provides a central source of information on management of the virus. The site confirms the involvement of the federal agencies in the monitoring of and response to emerging information and offers links to relevant avian flu information.

Efforts are underway to develop an effective one for H5N1 virus. The U.S. has put in an order for several million doses of this experimental vaccine. However, governments face the dilemma that this vaccine might not be effective against a new strain of this virus when and if it makes the leap from man to man. We face the same dilemma with antiviral medications. When and if we experience a flu pandemic, we hope a vaccine will be ready in time.

this time, the risk to most people from avian flu is low. If you are planning to visit areas affected by avian flu, please see the information for travelers. Practice good health habits everyday: wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. For more personal hygiene tips, please see Fighting the Flu. Do not touch sick or dead birds and avoid touching bird droppings. If you touch a sick/dead bird or bird droppings, wash your hands with warm water and soap right away.

There is no cure for avian or seasonal flus. Because flus are caused by viruses, antibiotic treatment (which works against bacteria) is ineffective.