Medications

Antiviral Medications

Scientists are hopeful that antiviral medicines like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) might be effective against bird flu complications, but not enough information is currently available to confirm this. Another drug called zanamivir (Relenza) shows promise in the lab but has not been widely used in human cases of bird flu. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are types of medications called "neuraminidase inhibitors." Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sometimes nervousness. Zanamivir is an inhaled drug and may make asthma worse. Oseltamivir is given as a pill. Some strains of the bird flu have shown resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors, and clinicians may consider adding another drug like ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol) or amantadine (Symmetrel) in these cases.

Oseltamivir and zanamivir are only available by prescription. If a pandemic occurs, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may authorize distribution of antiviral medications directly to the public. Treatment should begin as soon as possible after symptoms start.

Vaccine Development

No vaccine has yet been developed to protect humans against the H5N1 bird flu virus, although researchers continue to work on this issue. The standard flu vaccine developed each year does not protect against this strain.