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mightyflamethrower · 5 months

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The Madness Continues: Chinese Scientists Create Mutant Ebola Virus

The following content is sponsored by The Wellness Company.

Apparently, the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t been learned. Dangerous biolab experiments continue – humanity be damned.

Photo: Depositphotos

According to the Daily Mail:

Chinese scientists have engineered a virus with parts of Ebola in a lab that killed a group of hamsters. A team of researchers at Hebei Medical University used a contagious disease of livestock and added a protein found in Ebola, which allows the virus to infect cells and spread throughout the human body. The group of hamsters that received the lethal injection ‘developed severe systemic diseases similar to those observed in human Ebola patients,’ including multi-organ failure,’ the study shared.

The results of this study were predictably horrific:

One particularly horrific symptom saw the infected hamsters develop secretions in their eyes, which impaired their vision and scabbed over the surface of the eyeballs.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a decade ago, Ebola ravaged parts of Africa. Ebola has an average fatality rate of 50 percent:

Ebola virus disease, once known by, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is defined by the iconic hemorrhagic fever, but more common symptoms are non-specific such as fever, malaise, headache, diarrhea, or vomiting. The disease can quickly progress to multi-organ system failure leading to shock followed by death. The case-fatality rate ranges from 25% to 90%; the average case fatality rate is about 50%.

The obvious concern with any of these dangerous biolab experiments is the threat of a lab leak, according to the Daily Mail:

But lab leaks happen, and these incidents could lead to the spread of to those outside of the lab. Experts have confirmed that respiratory viruses – which are [spread] via coughing and sneezing – are more likely to spread widely through a population. Data released this March revealed that lab leak incidents occur every year and included the release of controlled pathogens like tuberculosis and anthrax. There are anywhere from 70 to 100 releases were recorded every year.

Be Prepared

These continuing dangerous experiments are a literal ticking time bomb. It’s not a question of if we will face another pandemic, the question is when.

However, now is not the time to panic, nor is this the time to be complacent – now is the time to be prepared.

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2024 Is the Year to Be Prepared

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Unlike 2020, you don’t have to be caught unprepared, and that’s where The Wellness Company comes in.

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daicelpharmastandard · 11 months

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Oseltamivir Impurities: Ensuring Medication Safety

Oseltamivir, commonly known as Tamiflu, is a crucial antiviral medication used to combat influenza infections. However, like many pharmaceuticals, the purity and quality of oseltamivir are essential for its effectiveness and safety.

Impurities in pharmaceuticals are substances in a drug that are not the intended active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). These impurities can arise from various sources such as raw materials, manufacturing processes, or degradation over time. In the case of oseltamivir impurities, it could impact its efficacy or cause adverse effects in patients.

Understanding the types of impurities in oseltamivir is crucial:

Process-related impurities: These impurities stem from the manufacturing process itself. They might result from incomplete reactions, by-products, or residual solvents used during synthesis. Stringent manufacturing controls and purification methods are employed to minimize these impurities.

Degradation products: Over time, medications can degrade due to exposure to heat, light, moisture, or other environmental factors. Degradation may lead to the formation of impurities, compromising the drug’s potency or safety. Proper storage conditions and packaging help prevent this.

Residual solvents: Certain solvents used in the manufacturing process may remain in the final drug product as impurities. Manufacturers must ensure that these solvents are within safe limits per regulatory guidelines.

Ensuring the safety and efficacy of oseltamivir involves rigorous quality control measures:

Analytical Techniques: Sophisticated analytical techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry are employed to detect and quantify impurities in oseltamivir. These methods help in identifying and measuring impurities at trace levels.

Regulatory Standards: Regulatory bodies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and other international agencies set strict guidelines regarding acceptable levels of medication impurities. Manufacturers must adhere to these standards to ensure the safety of the drug.

Continuous Monitoring: Quality control doesn’t end after the drug is released into the market. Continuous monitoring and assessment of oseltamivir’s quality throughout its shelf life remain crucial to detect any potential impurity formation.

Patients and healthcare providers play a vital role in ensuring medication safety:

Adherence to Prescription: Patients should strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage and usage instructions. Avoiding self-medication and consulting healthcare providers for any concerns or side effects is essential.

Reporting Adverse Effects: Any unexpected side effects or changes noticed while taking oseltamivir should be reported to healthcare professionals promptly. This helps in evaluating and addressing potential impurity-related issues.

Like any pharmaceutical, Oseltamivir undergoes stringent quality control measures to ensure its safety and efficacy. The collaborative efforts of regulatory bodies, manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients are crucial in upholding the integrity of this essential antiviral medication.

Maintaining vigilance in monitoring and addressing impurities in oseltamivir underscores a commitment to patient safety and well-being.

#oseltamivir impurities

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writerblogs · 1 year

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Global Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Rising Awareness about Influenza Outbreaks

The global Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) market is estimated to be valued at US$ 889.2 million in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 1.2% over the forecast period of 2022-2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. A) Market Overview: Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral medication primarily prescribed for the treatment and prevention of influenza (flu) in adults and children aged 1 year and older. It is effective against both influenza A and B viruses. Tamiflu works by inhibiting the growth of the virus and reducing the severity and duration of flu symptoms. The need for Tamiflu arises due to the frequent outbreaks of influenza, especially during flu seasons. Influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, making it crucial to manage and control its spread. Tamiflu plays a vital role in reducing the impact of influenza outbreaks by providing timely treatment and preventing further transmission. B) Market Key Trends: One key trend in the Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) Market is the rising awareness about influenza outbreaks and the importance of early treatment. With increasing access to information and education about influenza, individuals are more likely to seek medical intervention at the earliest signs of flu symptoms. This trend has led to a higher demand for Tamiflu as people recognize the benefits of early treatment in reducing the severity and duration of the illness. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a heightened awareness about respiratory illnesses, including influenza. People are more cautious and proactive in seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms, leading to increased prescription rates for Tamiflu. C) PEST Analysis: - Political: Governments worldwide are taking initiatives to control and manage influenza outbreaks by promoting vaccination programs and ensuring the availability of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu. - Economic: The Tamiflu market is driven by the economic burden caused by influenza outbreaks, including healthcare costs, productivity loss, and hospitalizations. The market is also influenced by healthcare expenditure and reimbursement policies. - Social: Increasing awareness about the severity of influenza and the importance of early treatment has contributed to the demand for Tamiflu. Public health campaigns and educational initiatives have played a significant role in shaping social attitudes towards flu prevention and management. - Technological: Advancements in influenza diagnostic tests and antiviral treatments have enhanced the effectiveness of Tamiflu. Technological innovations in drug delivery systems have also improved patient compliance and convenience. D) Key Takeaways: - The global Tamiflu market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 1.2% over the forecast period, due to increasing awareness about the importance of early treatment for influenza. - Regional analysis indicates that North America is the fastest-growing and dominating region in the Tamiflu market. The region has well-established healthcare infrastructure, high awareness levels, and a proactive approach towards managing influenza outbreaks. - Key players operating in the global Tamiflu market include F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., NATCO Pharma Limited, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., LUPIN Limited, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Zydus Cadila, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mylan N.V., and Hetero Group. In conclusion, the global Tamiflu market is poised for growth due to rising awareness about influenza outbreaks and the significance of early treatment. The market is driven by the need to control the spread of influenza and reduce its impact on public health. North America emerges as the leading region in this market, while key players continue to innovate and cater to the increasing demand for Tamiflu.

#Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) Market #Pharmaceutical #Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) Market Growth #Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) Market Analysis #Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) Market Forecast #Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) Market Future #Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) Market Overview

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craigsumter-justice · 1 year

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My Legal Battle with my Family and their Co-horts / Co-conspirators (150):

There are three (3) images attached to this post:

(1) The top left is a write-up from the funeral home, Bradford O'Keefe, for my father, Leonard Sumter Jr.'s, funeral. His funeral was on Thursday, February 20th, 2020. I provide this only to show the date of his funeral;

(2) The top right is from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website explaining that people taking Tamiflu are at a much higher risk for having seizures "shortly after beginning Tamiflu.";

(3) The bottom is a screenshot of a prescription for Tamilfu, written on 2/17/20 for me (Craig Sumter), from the patient portal of my doctor's office. His name is redacted because he has nothing to do with this.

My mother, Gloria Sumter, instructed me / convinced me to get a prescription for Tamiflu before I came home for my father's funeral in February 2020. However she instructed me to wait until I got home, the day before the funeral, to begin taking the Tamiflu because she told me it can cause seizures. She already knew this somehow, even though I hadn't heard it before then. Although as everyone can see from the FDA website it is true.

So, as I hadn't had any seizures at this point, not since June of 2013 anyway, [That's seven (7) years since I had had a seizure before this.], I didn't give it much thought. Why would I? I had even taken Tamiflu before with no problems.

Well, I got there Wednesday, the funeral was Thursday (2/20/20), and on Friday I had a seizure. She put me right back in my car on Sunday to drive back to Atlanta, knowing I had the seizure the day before and still having the Tamiflu in my system.

Now whether it was the Tamiflu alone, the Tamilfu combined with the stress of everything my family had been doing to me for the previous seven (7) years, or my mother and other family gave me something without my knowledge (by drugging me) that caused the seizure, I will not know for sure. But what I do know, is that my mother, Gloria Sumter, intended for me to have a seizure before ever coming home for the funeral and I'm sure it was her / their intention that I would have another seizure driving back to Atlanta on Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 in hopes that I would wreck my car and be seriously injured / die.

What's even more disgusting, as I will show in an email my mother (Gloria Sumter) sent me, and an email / text message my sister (Shalene Sumter) sent me later this year, after I began having seizures regularly (3-10 times per week) how they harrassed me trying to get me to drive home to see my mother, Gloria Sumter, knowing I was having these frequent horrible seizures when, not only was it illegal for me to drive, but very very dangerous.

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faultfalha · 1 year

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The individual steps out of the shower and begins to get dressed, but something feels different. They had felt fine earlier that day, but now they feel achy and feverish. They check their FitBit and see that their heart rate has been spiking intermittently for the past few hours. They pull up their social media records and see that they had been talking to a friend who is currently sick with the flu. The individual begins to worry; could they have contracted the flu as well? They had been hearing a lot about people getting sick with the flu this year. The individual knows that they should go to the doctor, but they are worried about the cost. They decide to take a day to think about it and see if their symptoms get worse. The individual spends the day researching the flu online. They learn about the different strains of the flu and the symptoms. They also learn about the different ways to treat the flu. The individual decides that they need to go to the doctor and gets a prescription for Tamiflu.

#Uncategorized #fault #Flu #FitBit #Social Media #Symptoms #Treatment

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xtruss · 1 year

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This flu season, respiratory diseases are at their highest in years but there is a shortage of many necessary medicines, including penicillin and routine over-the-counter treatments. Photograph By Petr Svancara, CTK/AP Images

Science: Feeling Sick? Here’s How Different Cold and Flu Drugs Work

Understanding what different medications do to fight seasonal illnesses can help you find the right treatment.

— By Emily Sohn | January 11, 2023

With early surges of flu, RSV, and other seasonal respiratory illnesses that are piling on recent increased COVID cases, it has been a rough winter already—not just because of all the coughs and fevers, but because it can be hard to find the medications commonly used to treat those symptoms. The FDA is listing more than 100 current and recently resolved drug shortages, with others reported locally, including amoxicillin, Children’s Tylenol, and Tamiflu.

“We're getting more callbacks from pharmacies because they don't have the prescription that we've written,” says Erin Fox, senior pharmacy director at the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City. “I’m hearing from a lot of fellow physicians across the country that they are experiencing the same thing.”

The reasons for the shortages are a complex combination of supply chain issues, surging demand, and a hoarding effect that happens when people know supplies are low, experts say. Adding to the problem are persistent myths and misconceptions about which medications are needed, when, and for which people.

“Shortages are a time when we try and kind of triage these medications to the people who will benefit the most from taking them,” says Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious disease physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

As the infection-laden winter drags on, experts say that better understanding the role that medications play in treating various illnesses could relieve anxiety about empty pharmacy shelves, reduce the harms of unnecessary medication use, and improve supply for people most in need.

Tamiflu

Reports of influenza started to spike in October 2022. By early December, the United States was experiencing one of its earliest and most severe flu seasons in years. As cases surged, so did demand for Tamiflu, also called oseltamivir. The antiviral, according to the CDC, is recommended most for people at high risk from developing severe cases of influenza—a broad category that includes kids under two, adults 65 and up, pregnant and immunocompromised people, and those with asthma, kidney disease, or other underlying conditions.

But anyone can get a prescription for it. And as the flu raged, the medication became difficult to come by in a variety of places. Some pharmacies struggled to keep Tamiflu in stock, and people reported calling multiple stores to get prescriptions filled as the clock ticked: Tamiflu is most effective if started as soon as possible and within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Despite that sense of urgency, Tamiflu is unlikely to be the miracle cure that people may expect. In a comprehensive review of 20 studies encompassing more than 24,000 people, researchers with the independent Cochrane Collaboration reported in 2014 that the drug reduced the duration of symptoms in adults by an average of 16 hours—which meant that people were sick for about six days instead of seven.

The drug didn’t make any significant dent in symptom duration for kids. Nor did it reduce the risk of hospitalization or other complications, like pneumonia, bronchitis, or ear infections. But there were side effects, some serious. The drug increased the risk of nausea and vomiting by 4 percent in adults and 5 percent in kids. In some cases, Tamiflu caused psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, delusions, and panic attacks.

Even among those in high-priority groups, data are still not clear on how much of a difference the drug makes, Fox says. “It’s definitely not a cure-all,” she says, and not being able to get it is often not the end of the world. “It doesn't mean that you're going to end up in the hospital. It probably is going to mean that you're not going to have that opportunity to get better half a day earlier.”

Acetaminophen and iBuprofen

Fevers can seem scary, particularly in little kids and especially when numbers start creeping well above triple digits. But misconceptions go both ways about how and when a fever needs to be treated with medication.

One myth is that treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of complications like seizures in children—a belief that is not supported by the bulk of evidence, says Rajapakse. Febrile seizures are triggered by a rapid rise in temperature rather than the high temperature itself, she says, so by the time the fever spikes, it’s too late for the medication to make a difference. Some studies show potential prophylactic benefit, she says, but most suggest that giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen around the clock “does not necessarily prevent a febrile seizure if it's going to happen.”

On the flip side is the belief that acetaminophen impairs the body’s own immune-strengthening response to treat a fever. But experts say these medications are not powerful enough to shut down your immune system and people shouldn’t try to fight off a fever without relief if they’re feeling awful.

If a fever reaches 105, it’s time to go to the emergency room, says Megan Ranney, an emergency physician at the Brown University School of Public Health in Providence, Rhode Island, who adds that aspirin is not safe for kids.

Below emergency levels, Rajapakse recommends treating for comfort. She often sees toddlers in the clinic with 103 degrees fever who are running around and feeling great, and she doesn’t recommend medication in those cases. “Then you can see a child who has a lower fever but who is pretty miserable, who might not be eating and drinking much, who's waking up a lot at night, who's uncomfortable,” she says. “That's a very reasonable scenario to treat a fever in that child.”

Antibiotics

Amoxicillin is a go-to workhorse in pediatrics that is used to fight bacterial ear infections, pneumonia, and strep throat, with relatively few side effects, says Rajapakse. But a shortage of amoxicillin has forced doctors to prescribe other antibiotics that may be harder to tolerate or might not work as well against the bacteria causing infections.

The shortage highlights ongoing issues with excessive antibiotic prescriptions. About a third of antibiotics prescribed to people of all ages are either totally unnecessary or prescribed incorrectly, studies show—which includes using the wrong drug, dose, or duration of treatment. The shortage began just as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization were finishing up a week of meetings dedicated to reducing overuse of antibiotics.

“It’s a continual challenge,” Ranney says. “Every time we start to make a little progress, we fall backwards again.”

Unnecessary antibiotic use not only raises the risk for allergic reactions, kidney problems, and side effects like diarrhea in people who take them, Rajapakse says. The practice also gives bacteria opportunities to develop drug resistance, which is harmful to society.

One reason the problem persists is that people mistakenly believe they need antibiotics for things like ear infections or ongoing coughs, even when viruses are likely to blame. “I can't tell you how many patients show up in the ER saying, ‘I’ve had this cough for two weeks. I know that I just need an antibiotic,’” Ranney says. “We know that if we don't prescribe it, they're going to go to someone else who will.”

Given how busy providers are, Rajapakse says, it can be quicker for them to prescribe something than to take the time to explain why people might not need medication. It can also be tricky to get it right and tempting to err on the side of caution. About 90 percent of sore throats are caused by viruses, for example, but 10 percent are a sign of strep throat, which needs antibiotic treatment to prevent future complications.

To reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, Rajapakse advises parents to ask providers if their child is a candidate for watchful waiting instead of demanding or immediately accepting a prescription, and focusing on other ways to alleviate symptoms, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen, popsicles, humidifiers, and nasal saline. “There are lots of things that families can do that don't involve taking an antibiotic while their child's immune system fights off the virus,” she says.

Even when this flu season ends, drug shortages are likely to remain an ongoing issue, researchers say, as they have been a problem for years. In 2018, well before COVID struck, the FDA pulled together a task force that identified several causes of the drug-shortage crisis, including a lack of incentive for drug companies to produce less profitable drugs and logistical challenges that impede the market’s ability to recover after disruptions. Although the group’s report also suggested solutions, such as financial incentives to produce lower-cost drugs and transparency about when shortages are happening, the problems persist.

Preparation can help people weather the ups and downs. Experts recommend keeping a small supply of over-the-counter medications (no hoarding!) on hand in case you get sick. Boost your arsenal of non-drug strategies for feeling better, like lukewarm baths or tea with honey. Understand your family’s particular risk level so you know if you’ll want to seek a diagnosis as soon as you feel ill and be prescribed antivirals quickly if you need them.

It’s always a good idea to practice good health habits, Ranney adds. “Get your flu shot. Get your booster for COVID. Make sure you wash your hands and wear masks, particularly in crowded indoor locations,” she says. “The best way to avoid needing medications is to avoid getting sick in the first place.”

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benechillax · 2 years

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writing tamiflu prescriptions has got to be one of the most mind-numbingly boring aspects of my job

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inklore · 2 years

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Sleepover- not a confession but an expression of relief - my kid has the flu, but her fever seems to have broken. We'll keep her home until her treatment finishes, but thank God for quick testing and a Tamiflu prescription.

oh no! i’m so happy her fever has broken and she has the medicine to help her make a (hopefully) quick recovery <3 i’ve never had the flu but from what i’ve heard it’s not fun at all, so i’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed that she feels better very soon lovey!

sleepover night!!

#▸ laur answers

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your-dietician · 2 years

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Some pharmacies 'caught off guard' by early surge in flu cases and demand for antivirals

New Post has been published on https://medianwire.com/some-pharmacies-caught-off-guard-by-early-surge-in-flu-cases-and-demand-for-antivirals/

Some pharmacies 'caught off guard' by early surge in flu cases and demand for antivirals

Flu season is already off to an early start in the United States, with multiple states including Georgia and Texas reporting an unusually high surge this early in the season.

Influenza antivirals like Tamiflu have been gathering dust on the proverbial shelf for the last two years while the flu largely disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these are reportedly back in demand and at much higher levels than what was seen in October prior to 2020.

While there are no confirmed shortages of these flu antivirals, some experts worry that an early surge in prescriptions for medications like Tamiflu could put stress on pharmacies that did not order enough stock to meet demand this early in the season.

Where is flu increasing in the U.S.?

According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is increasing in most of the country, with the Southeast and South-central regions reporting the highest levels of flu activity. Hot spot states include Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina, per the CDC, and flu activity is also high in the District of Columbia and New York City.

“Many of us, myself included, are anticipating a moderately severe flu season,” Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, told TODAY.

The dropping of mitigation measures like masking and distancing, coupled with lower population immunity due to reduced exposure to influenza viruses over the past few years, is sparking concern among experts, TODAY previously reported. What’s more, fewer flu shots have been administered at this point in the season than in 2021 and 2020, per CDC data. (Experts say the best time to get your flu shot is by the end of October.)

“There’s this concept out there right now going around — vaccine fatigue, where people are simply getting tired of recommendations and ideas that we all need to vaccinate,” Dr. Dhaval Desai, director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, told TODAY.

In Texas — where flu cases typically ramp up in December or January — influenza activity began increasing as early as mid-September, Dr. Luis Ostrosky, an infectious disease specialist at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann in Houston, told TODAY. “Undoubtedly, we’re having an early flu season, and the numbers are increasing very rapidly.”

Following national trends, the most frequently reported viruses in Texas are influenza A, and these cases are rising among both adults and children, said Ostrosky. “We are seeing some clusters in schools, but it is everywhere … in our emergency rooms, urgent cares, in the hospital, primary care clinics.”

Georgia, which currently has the highest flu rate of any state (aside from District of Columbia), is also experiencing an early uptick in cases this fall compared to previous seasons before the pandemic. “The biggest message that we can take from that right now is it’s really time to vaccinate,” Desai said.

In Tennessee, both flu cases and hospitalizations are on the rise. “We are already seeing patients being hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza … substantially more than usual at this time of the year,” said Schaffner. “We’re about a month early.”

Tennessee is seeing a mixture of both influenza A viruses, H1N1 and H3N2, as well as some influenza B, Schaffner explained. “That’s a little unusual, because conventionally, you have a dominant strain if there’s going to be one, (but) it hasn’t sorted itself out yet.”

The timing, duration, circulating strains and severity of flu seasons tend to vary every year, according to the CDC. However, it’s clear that flu is ramping up earlier than typical pre-pandemic seasons.

How is this impacting demand for antivirals?

There are already reports that demand for flu antiviral medications is surging, and some pharmacies in hot spot states are scrambling to fill the higher-than-usual number of prescriptions for this early in the season, according to Ostrosky.

There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs recommended for use by the CDC to treat flu this season: oseltamivir phosphate (brand name Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza).

According to GoodRx, a telemedicine platform that monitors flu cases through its Tamiflu tracker, prescriptions have surged recently. “Although it’s very early in the season, our initial data point shows that fills are higher at this time of year than they have been since 2013,” Tori Marsh, director of research at GoodRx, told TODAY.

“So far, Tamiflu fills are 5.6 times higher than they were at the start of the flu season last year, and if we average the fill rates for the start of flu season in the previous nine years, this year is 3.3 times higher,” said Marsh, referencing a graph showing the weekly fill rate by flu season. Data from the CDC tell the same story, she added.

Flu antivirals work primarily to prevent complications, hospitalizations and mortality due to influenza, Ostrosky explained, but they can also lessen symptoms and shorten the duration of illness.

“The key is that they need to be given as early as possible in the viral phase of the disease when the virus is very actively replicating. That is usually within 48 hours of noticing symptoms,” said Ostrosky. If antivirals are taken after 48 hours, there’s still some effect, but it diminishes with time, Schaffner noted.

Those who benefit the most from flu antivirals are individuals at higher risk of flu complications, Ostrosky said: people over 65, people with compromised immune systems and people with underlying comorbidities, particularly pulmonary issues.

These also include children who are immunocompromised or have underlying conditions, including asthma, said Desai. (People should talk to their health care provider about which antiviral is right for them based on factors like age and health status, the experts noted).

Flu antivirals require a prescription from a doctor, but unlike with COVID-19 antivirals, you do not need a positive flu test to get a prescription, Ostrosky noted. “We pretty much prescribe it to anybody that has either documented or highly suspicious flu in the correct epidemiological context.”

“If somebody presents with an influenza-like illness (fever, sore throat, congestion) and the area is seeing high flu activity, that’s what we call a high pretest probability of flu,” said Desai. In these cases, patients at high risk are recommended to start treatment with Tamiflu right away while waiting for test results, he added.

(Note: COVID-19 antivirals are a completely different medication and do not work to treat flu, Desai said).

Tamiflu can also be used for prevention when someone has been exposed to influenza or will be entering a setting with a lot of sick people. Flu antivirals are not a substitute for the flu vaccine, per Food and Drug Administration.

How could this impact pharmacies?

Although the FDA and CDC have not listed any official shortages, Ostrosky noted, the early surge in flu cases and subsequent surge in prescriptions for antivirals could be a potential issue for pharmacies that weren’t prepared for this level of demand in October.

“I believe it’s not a real problem of supply, but a problem of ordering and logistics. … Most pharmacies were expecting to order their stock later in the season, and this is catching them off guard,” said Ostrsoky.

“Anecdotally, I’ve been hearing people that are having trouble getting the antivirals in the drugstore, or sometimes they’re offered the brand name instead of the generic, which seems to be more available,” said Ostrosky. Brand name medication may be more expensive depending on insurance coverage, he added, which could make the medication cost-prohibitive for some.

“Right now we don’t see a shortage of flu antiviral medications, (and) manufacturers have not reported a shortage in anything we can ascertain from the resources that we have access to,” Brigid Groves, senior director of practice and professional affairs at American Pharmacists Association, told TODAY in an interview. While it is possible that some pharmacies do not have their typical stock at this point, there is plenty of supply behind the scenes, Groves said.

“Likely what happened is … because the ordering and use of (flu antivirals) hadn’t been quite as high the past couple of years, they didn’t get restocked on the pharmacy shelves right away,” said Groves, adding that she had not heard any reports of pharmacies experiencing issues placing orders for more stock.

Although it is unclear how this flu season will pan out, the experts noted that cases will only increase moving forward. In the U.S., flu season typically peaks between December or February, but severe activity can continue as late as May, per the CDC.

“Obviously, we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg in our surveillance system,” Schaffner said.

As cases go up, “we are going to see an increase in demand for Tamiflu and any antiviral that’s on the market,” said Desai, especially among high-risk populations.

However, Groves reassured that supply should be able to meet demand: “We’ll start to naturally see more stock coming into pharmacies and getting onto the shelves.”

In the event of a possible shortage, Ostrosky speculated that this could warrant guidelines to prioritize access for people who benefit the most from antivirals in the high-risk groups.

“We don’t encourage patients to stock up or hoard medications, (and) we want to ensure that there is enough supply around for everyone, in particular for those (high-risk) patients,” said Groves. “It’s much more preferable for people to get assessed and then to get the medication that’s best for them.”

Getting a flu shot is the best way to prepare for flu season

The good news is that you can protect yourself from the flu and serious complications by getting the seasonal flu vaccine. The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months or older get their flu shot by the end of October, but it can still offer protection if you get it later in the season.

“Now, it’s actually a great time to get your flu shot, because it’s going to be able to protect you throughout the duration of flu season,” said Groves. Getting your flu shot now gives your body enough time to build up immunity, Groves added, which is important if you live in a state where cases are already increasing.

“The worst case scenario we’re preparing for is the famous twindemic, where we would see both a large number of influenza cases and a new COVID surge,” said Ostrosky. A twindemic could put a severe strain on an already stressed health care system, Desai said, so it’s important to focus on prevention now.

All of the experts emphasize the importance of getting both a flu shot and the updated COVID-19 booster as soon as possible, and continuing to practice preventive measures like staying home when sick, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and practicing hand hygiene.

“The flu can be deadly. … It’s not something we want to mess around with,” Desai said. During seasons between 2010 and 2020, the flu caused anywhere between 12,000 to 52,000 deaths annually, according to the CDC.

“Vaccination is our main weapon right now,” Desai added.

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ainawgsd · 2 years

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I posted 1,312 times in 2022

427 posts created (33%)

885 posts reblogged (67%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

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I tagged 1,200 of my posts in 2022

Only 9% of my posts had no tags

#rebagel - 583 posts

#text post - 208 posts

#dogs - 79 posts

#gardening - 77 posts

#flowers - 61 posts

#cats - 51 posts

#quizzes - 48 posts

#daily dose of dog - 48 posts

#sven - 47 posts

#german shepherd - 40 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#the one time my dad was stationed on a ship in an urban port (san diego) we lived in my rural home town because we couldn't afford housing

My Top Posts in 2022:

Fixing a few holes in an old blanket. For the larger holes I'm using the matching pillow sham to applique over the damage.

203 notes - Posted September 16, 2022

Went to the City Museum this weekend and finally got to go up on the rooftop. They have a ferris wheel up there that goes faster than any ferris wheel I've ever been on in my life!

We also got lots of compliments on our knee pads. They were pretty pricey, but worth it

207 notes - Posted June 6, 2022

Jumping off of this post, there is a nationwide shortage on several drugs commonly used for these infections or to treat pneumonia or bacterial infections that can result from these diseases.

Every prescription we fill for liquid amoxicillin, generic Augmentin, and generic Tamiflu pops up an alert to check our stock because there is a nationwide shortage. I cannot order these medications because all of the manufacturers carried by my distributor are on backorder with no release dates.

Right now we are still able to call the prescriber and get the antibiotics switched to one we have (Tamiflu does not have an alternative you're just sol there) but if the shortage carries on long enough I would expect these alternatives will probably start having availability issues as well.

This year is expected to be very bad as far as influenza and, in my area anyway, RSV cases are also really bad. And Covid never went away, despite the general public's popular belief, so naturally we're likely to see an uptick in that as people get complacent.

So yes, do what you can to protect yourself and others. Get your flu and covid shots, wear your mask, and wash your hands.

254 notes - Posted November 16, 2022

I'm gonna have to go back to the cemetery after the snow melts and see if there's any identifying information on this grave marker. But I really like how the ice reflects light over the lichen here.

287 notes - Posted February 4, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Bite that water Sven!

457 notes - Posted October 18, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

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