Gov't changes policy, free TAMIFLU for all

The government of Trinidad and Tobago is changing its policy on the distribution of TAMIFLU, the drug that's considered to be the most effective treatment for the H1N1 virus that causes Swine Flu.

Health Minister Jerry Narace told the media Sunday the drug will be available through private and public medical institutions. He said it's available for everyone and will be distributed to all health practitioners who ask for it.

"There is enough for the nation. I want to emphasise that the drug is free and at no time should a patient be charged for it," Narace said. TAMIFLU is not the Swine Flu vaccine and officials say one must not be confused with the other.

Narace also confirmed that negotiations for a supply of vaccines are now closing with PAHO, the Pan American Health Organization. He said the country expects to get about 250,000 vaccines.

When the approved vaccines arrive in mid-November, they would be given to people in high-risk groups, such as the obese, the infirm and those with compromised immune systems.

Narace told reporters that by Monday officials plan to finalise an "alliance" with the private medical sector, which amends the policy regarding management of the virus.

The change means that the previous advisory that the minstry of health would exclusively handle all suspected and confirmed cases will change to allow private institutions to treat all levels of infection. However, he said the ministry must be kept up to date with information about all patients.

Ministry officials said doctors should use their discretion in assessing the symptoms of a patient and should not put off acting while they wait for a test result.

On the question of the use of TAMIFLU the medical officials warned that patients may experience signficant side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headache and coughing, which can be confused with symptoms of Swine flu.

TAMIFLU is a prescription medication used to treat the influenza, or 'flu', virus in its early stages. It can shorten the duration of the flu if taken as soon as symptoms start, but will not cure the common cold.

Tamiflu is not a vaccine but, in some cases where a vaccine is not available, it can be used by a doctor as a preventive agent in those who have been exposed to the virus.