HSE Approves Tamiflu For Children Despite Study

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has rejected research by the a British lab suggesting anti-flu drug Tamiflu is unsuitable for young children.

The HSE's head of health protection, Dr Kevin Kelleher, said the research published by scientists from the University of Oxford may have resulted in parents being "unduly worried" about their child receiving a prescription for the anti-viral, which is being used to tackle the increasing outbreak of swine flu.

Dr Kelleher insisted the use of anti-virals to treat swine flu in young children was "appropriate" in certain circumstances.

The British report said anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu were unlikely to prevent complications from the virus in young children and were more likely to cause vomiting and in certain cases dehydration.

However, in a statement from producers of the treatment, Roche Products (Ireland), the company said several regulatory authorities including the European Medicines Evaluation Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration had approved Tamiflu for use in children "based upon a positive benefit/risk assessment".

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland programme today, Dr Kelleher said: "Our advice remains that it is appropriate to prescribe anti-virals to children with pre-existing conditions, or in children under the age of five, and more particularly under the age of three".

The news comes as a survey of GPs in the Irish Medical Times, published today, found 68% were 'concerned' or 'very concerned' about their ability to cope with the predicted numbers of swine flu sufferers.

The survey also contained a number of comments from GPs about their feelings on the outbreak.

One GP said: "It is very real. How will we administer seven million vaccines? I am also worried about the schools and colleges going back," while another expressed worry over the situation: "I am concerned about getting it and giving it to my family, and that the virus could get more virulent."

However, GPs are not unanimous on the future of the virus, accusing the media of over hyping the effects of the flu.

One GP said: "I feel there is huge scaremongering and we will be inundated with neurotics."

His views were supported by another GP who said: "We are always busy. We will get through it. Hysteria has been created by the media. I do not think it is worse than any other flu."

See: Swine Flu Drug 'Less Effective' On Children

(DW/BMcC)