New Influenza Drugs
Relenza is a powder spray inhaled per os
Prescription drug being introduced Nov 1999
New Class of antiviral medicines that is effective against both major strands (NYT, Sep 27, 1999)
80% effective in blocking spread of influenza among family members
Tamiflu, pill that also fights against A & B flu viruses
Nearing government approval
Helped reduce half the duration and severity of flu symptoms
Helped prevent flu in unvaccinated adults who took it before being exposed to the virus (Star Tribune, Oct 6, 1999)