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It seems that the lethal H1N1 virus has developed resistance towards the Tamiflu. This development is indeed a worrying one and according to WHO, Tamiflu-resistant virus have been reported from about 12 countries, including Singapore and China. The mutation in virus has not been reported from India till now.
The mutations in certain samples are making these strains of swine flu resistant to oseltamivir or Tamiflu, the antiviral of choice globally.
India has put a close monitoring on all the Haj pilgrims as anyone with any flu-like symptom will not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.
The mutations are being closely observed by the scientists so that the vaccines, which are being developed under an agitated pace, do not become outdated. The WHO fears that Tamiflu resistance may be more widespread than officially reported.
India has so far not reported such a mutation. ICMR director general Dr V M Katoch told TOI, "We have been constantly sequencing genes in H1N1 to mark any form of mutation. However, we have still not found a case of oseltamivir resistant H1N1 virus."
He added, "Fear of resistance is why we are so careful about Tamilfu's availability to the public and its use in management of H1N1 infected or suspected patients. Tamilfu is now only available in select hospitals so that we can keep a record of the treatment."
Saudi Arabia has announced that it will require a health certificate for all pilgrims to Mecca, showing they are not suffering from normal flu. The certificate will state that the pilgrim is not suffering from seasonal flu or has H1N1 symptoms.
CEO of India's Haj committee Mohammad Owais said, "A high-level expert committee has been formed to see whether all Indian pilgrims can be given a 42-day regimen of Tamilfu as a form of protection. The committee will see what the drug's side effects will be if used for so long and whether it is a feasible proposition."
