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National Public Health Service for Wales: Anti–viral drugs recommended to combat flu outbreak
The National Public Health Service for Wales [NPHS] has written to all GPs explaining that both oseltamivir and zanamivir are now recommended for use in line with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [NICE] guidance, in a move to combat the circulation of the current outbreak of flu. In the first week of January, flu activity in the UK increased, while the clinical consultation rate in Wales rose sharply from 2.0 to 8.5 per 100,000 people. Dr Roland Salmon, director of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre for the NPHS, said, “Although levels of consultations for flu are below what we often see at this time of year, our laboratory is isolating flu viruses from some patients and there was an increase in consultations last week. “Combined with the higher levels being seen in England, this means that flu is circulating and it is sensible to keep in–step with the Department of Health in London and to recommend the use of oseltamivir and zanamivir by GPs. “The drugs are used mainly to treat people in high–risk groups, who can start treatment within 48–hours of symptoms. They are also recommended for prevention in certain high–risk groups.” Symptoms of flu include sudden onset of headache, fever, and symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints. The latest influenza surveillance report for Wales and all previous weekly influenza reports are available from the NPHS website: www.wales.nhs.uk. From your browser | Email the page | Email the page link | Print the page | Add page to favourites ········································································································································
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