Treatment resistant Novel Influenza

Treating Treatment Resistant Novel Influenza

The global medical community is once again facing the very real possibility of a novel, resistant strain of influenza. Since the early 2000s, medical teams have been making efforts to combat the spread of a virus that has gradually become more difficult to treat in recent years, causing illness and even death in more instances than before. While the novel strain still remains treatable with medication, the potential it has to mutate is devastating to long-term health plans.

The novel strain of influenza, also known as Influenza A, is resistant to traditional antiviral medications used to treat both influenza and other respiratory illnesses. This is because the virus has adapted to existing medications, making them less effective in treating cases.

In an effort to protect its citizens, the government is encouraging the public to get vaccinated against the novel strain of virus. While this is not a foolproof plan of attack against influenza, it can help prevent the spread of the virus by alerting the body to the virus' presence if it has been exposed. In turn, this helps the immune system fight the virus off, reducing its severity.

Additional tactics to reduce the spread of Influenza A include:

• Covering the nose and mouth with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing
• Avoiding contact with people who are known to be ill
• Regularly washing hands to minimize the spread of germs
• Staying home if feeling ill
• Frequently sanitizing common surfaces and objects

Health care centers are also experimenting with new antiviral medications that are more difficult for the virus to develop resistance to. Initial trials suggest that the novel strain of virus may respond positively to these treatments. It is important to note, however, that these medications should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider.

As outbreaks of the novel virus become more common, the need for antiviral research and treatments is critical. With new medications in development and existing antiviral treatments still available, the medical community is actively working to keep the population safe and healthy from this dangerous virus.