CDC: Third patient identified with Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 infection, will not change recommended treatment protocol

ATLANTA The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week confirmed that a third person was identified with a Tamiflu (oseltamivir) resistant novel H1N1 virus infection; however, the agency has not changed its recommended treatment protocol for the H1N1 influenza virus.

All three people have fully recovered after uncomplicated illnesses and did not have contact with each other. Two of the three people are reported to have developed illness while taking oseltamivir preventatively after an exposure to a close contact with novel influenza A (H1N1). The third person had no known exposure to oseltamivir.

Results from ongoing testing of novel influenza A (H1N1) viruses indicate that oseltamivir resistance remains rare, the CDC stated.

Judicious use of antiviral medications is recommended to reduce the possibilities of the development and spread of antiviral resistant influenza viruses.

Use of zanamivir or oseltamivir should be focused on treatment of persons with suspected novel H1N1 influenza who are  hospitalized or at higher risk for complications due to influenza, even if hospitalization is not required.