Old, natural remedies for flu

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A Flu Virus’s Worst Nightmare

SAMBUCUS NIGRA AND OLEA EUROPAEA

SAMBUCUS NIGRA

Folklore tells us that during the Middle Ages, the English believed the Sambucus nigra tree to have mystical abilities and that to have these trees on one’s property meant good luck. The medicinal value of the black elderberry goes back to the 5th century BC and is mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscurides and Plinius. The juice of the Sambucus nigra has been used for over 2,500 years as a remedy for flu and colds.

Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, PhD, a virologist based in Israel, is credited with discovering how Sambucus nigra thwarts the invasion of the flu virus. In order for a virus to replicate itself, it must first invade existing living cells through tiny “spikes” on the surface of the virus that puncture the walls of the cell. In the lab, Dr. Mumcuoglu discovered that the active constituents of Sambucus nigra “disarm” these “spikes”, which prevent the virus from piercing the cell membrane.

In clinical studies conducted in Israel in 1992, half the flue patients participating in the studies were given four tablespoons of syrup containing the active Sambucus nigra ingredients combined with other natural components; the remaining patients were given a placebo. The results showed that within 24 hours, the flu symptoms had significantly improved in twenty percent of the patients taking the Sambucus Nigra syrup. After the second day, another 75% were improved and in three days, a complete cure was achieved in over 90%. Among the control group, only 8% of the patients showed improvements in 24 hours, the remaining 92% improved within 6 days or more.

With these and other results showing Sambucus nigra as a proven antiviral agent, other testing has commenced to understand the extract’s potential role in the remedy of other viruses, including HIV, herpes and Epstein-Barr.

The examination of the active phytonutrients in Sambucus Nigra reveals flavonoids, almost exclusively flavonols with rutin as the chief component, as well as isoquercitrin and astrogalin.

OLEA EUROPAEA
Another Flu Fighter

The ancient Egyptians may have been the first to make practical use of the Olea Europaea, using it in the mummification of their kings. In later cultures, Olea europaeas were used as a popular folk remedy to relieve fevers. The first formal medical documentation describing the use of the olea europaea to cure malaria appeared in the 1850’s. Other European researchers determined that Olea europaea increases blood flow in the arteries, relieves irregular heartbeats and prevents intestinal spasms. In Hungary, a clinical investigation led by the director of an alternative medicine clinic in Hungary established that Olea europaea is 98% effective in destroying the viruses, bacteria and fungi that causes many of today’s most widespread illnesses.

With its antioxidant properties, Olea europaea may play a role in preventing free radical generation and the resulting damage this causes in healthy cells.

In recent times, Olea europaea (oleuropein) has been rediscovered as having multiple health applications. It has been reported to enhance the immune system, have anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasite properties, increase energy, have internal cleansing action, lower blood pressure and reduce blood sugar. Olea europaea fights
viruses, such as colds and flu, by interfering with the critical amino acid production essential for virus reproduction.

Active molecules in Olea europaea have the ability to penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication. It can stimulate phagocytosis, an immune system response in which cells ingest and eliminate harmful micro-organisms and foreign matter.

Olea europaea may have powerful antioxidant properties. It has been shown to inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, the so-called “bad cholesterol” involved in heart arterial disease. With its antioxidant properties, Olea europaea may play a role in preventing free radical generation and the resulting damage this causes in healthy cells.

Researchers have determined that Olea europaea is a true anti viral, in that it selectively blocks the entire spectrum of viral growth and replication in the infected host. No pharmaceutical can accomplish this.

Dr. Tom has formulated for you 100% Sambucus nigra and Olea europaea in combination for maximum viral protection.

Call Nothin’ But Herbs today and get started protecting yourself from the multitude of viruses attacking our society.

Knock out the cold with sodium bicarbonate

Knock Out The Cold & Flu With Sodium Bicarbonate

Mark Sircus Ac., OMD
http://sodiumbicarbonate.imva.info
November 27, 2009


Though we know by now that sodium bicarbonate is a most useful medicine for the treatment of cancer and kidney disease and have always known its good for stomach acid imbalances and for cleaning our pools and refrigerators it is not likely we have thought about it to help resolve our common colds nor to alleviate they symptoms and dangers of influenza. Medicine does not have to be complicated and mysterious nor do we have to lay still and be run over by the Hun Hordes of Influenza viruses that the health authorities want us to be so frightened of.

Dr. Volney S. Cheney reported[1] long ago that, “A number of cases of colds of varying severity were carefully studied in the laboratory. Observation was made as to the degree of acidity of the urine; the CO2, combining power of the blood as an indicator of the alkaline reserve; tests were also made to determine the calcium content of the blood, the sugar content; non-protein nitrogen and the basal metabolism. The urine invariably carried a higher degree of acidity than the normal-in some cases as high as 800 (normal 350); the CO2 combining power of the blood in all cases was low, the highest being 52 per cent; the sugar content of the blood was generally decreased (below 100 mg. per 100 c.c.); the metabolic rate was always on the minus side. (These cases were carefully selected because of their lack of any symptoms of disturbed thyroid activity.) There is a change in the blood chemistry and, consequently, there must be a change in the tissues supplied by the blood. There is a decrease in the bicarbonates or reserve bases contained in the blood plasma and the tissues. These findings seem to point the way to the conclusion that a cold is a disturbance of the alkaline balance or reserve, in other words, a mild acidosis, or perhaps better stated, a lessening of the “buffer” action of the blood plasma through a decrease in its bicarbonate content.”

After doing his experiments, Dr. Cheney reported: “I have been able to induce all the symptoms of a cold, in varying degree from a simple coryza to that of la grippe and the “flu,” by the induction of an artificial acidosis through the administration of ammonium and calcium chlorides. The degree of severity of the symptoms was in direct ratio to the degree of acidosis induced. In the severer degree of acidosis, all the classical symptoms of the “flu” were present, even including a low degree of fever. The symptoms rapidly subsided upon the administration of sodium bicarbonate in large doses by mouth and by rectum.

Let’s talk about your refrigerator. Go home, unplug your refrigerator, and find out what happens. Now remember that before you unplugged that fridge there was no mold, no bad bacteria, and no bugs. By pulling the plug you change the environment. Watch what happens. Your food will start to break down through fermentation and then putrefaction. Things start growing and crawling around. Where did they come from? You know that they didn’t sneak in. The door was closed. They were always there. It is just that they have gone through metamorphosis and they have changed due to an environmental shift – in other words “a drop in pH”.

Dr. Cheney further reported his “abortive treatment” of any cold or flu thusly:

If the disease is attacked when there is a beginning dryness in the pharynx or a slight corzya, or congestion of the mucous membrane of the nose, and alkalinization is instituted by large doses of sodium bicarbonate, until the urine is alkaline to litmus paper, a “cold” can always be aborted. Along with the sodium bicarbonate which I generally prescribe in 6 g. doses, accompanied by a large glass of hot water, every 2 hours for 3 doses, I give to an adult 1 g. of calcidin (a calcium and iodine combination) every half hour until 6 doses have been taken.

Most colds begin to manifest themselves late in the afternoon or early evening and the abortive treatment is best given at this time up to retiring. At the time of taking the treatment, the usual meal should be dispensed with, or should consist of milk and some cereal, or soup or broth. If the bowels are constipated, they should not be moved by a cathartic or laxative but the lower bowels should be relieved by a soap suds enema. This treatment will abort colds, if taken in their incipiency.

Where a cold has advanced to the stage where there is hoarseness and a profuse coryza, or where this condition has advanced to what we generally term “a cold,” I use the following treatment:

Initial dose 6 g. of sodium bicarbonate and 1 g. of calcidin, then 3 g. of sodium bicarbonate and 1 g. of calcidin every 2 hours for 6 doses, then 20 g. of sodium bicarbonate with /3 g. of calcidin every 3 hours during the waking period until the cold is checked.

The administration of the sodium bicarbonate should always be in or followed by a large glass of hot water. Locally, spray the nose and throat with a 1 to 5000 solution of metaphen, or other alkaline solution (1 dram of sodium bicarbonate to one pint of water) morning and night. If the bowels are constipated, I prescribe no laxative or cathartic but use an enema of soap suds to relieve the lower bowels.

Prophylaxis is best maintained by exercise and a diet which is well balanced and thoroughly adapted to the individual’s physical activities.

When the cold or ‘flu germs enter your body they immediately lodge themselves in the membranes of your nose. Your immune system then resists them by releasing inflammatory mediators. These in turn cause excessive mucus gland secretion, which blocks the sinuses, leading to a runny nose and all the other unpleasant symptoms of a cold or the ‘flu.



Dr. Hana’s Nasopure® Nasal Wash System transforms the ancient technique of nasal irrigation into the most effective, convenient and inexpensive nose washing system available today. It is a modern day netti pot. It quickly and safely washes away pollen, mold, dust, bacteria, viruses and mucus— the primary causes of nasal and sinus allergies, infection and discomfort. The Nasopure sinus cleansing salt mixture contains pharmaceutical grade sodium chloride (salt) and sodium bicarbonate.

Do not add regular table salt to any solution used for nasal washing as it contains undesirable additives and throws off the saline concentration of the solution. Salt is both soothing and therapeutic (in the proper concentration). Too little or too much salt will cause the water to “burn” or irritate your nasal passages and sinuses. Pickling salt, which is usually pure salt, is preferable to regular table salt if making your own salt solution.[2]

For a 0.9% isotonic saline solution, the amount normally found in bodily fluids, use 1/3 teaspoon (approx. ¼ heaping teaspoon, or 1.85 ml) of salt. Anything less than this is hypotonic, anything greater is hypertonic. Some research suggests a hypertonic solution may be best when combating a runny nose (as it would have a drying effect), so you might want to go to the higher end of the salt range. Add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to help buffer the solution. A hypotonic solution, however, would tend to be moisturizing (i.e. the lower end of the salt range), and may be what you want in a nasal spray for general prophylactic use.

If you want to take direct action against the virus or germs that are already attacking you, the battleground is inside your nose. Directions for common use of nasal washings include; pour a little warm water into a dish and add a level teaspoon of your sodium bicarbonate. Stir it well and then immerse your nose and surrounding parts of your face into it. Slowly breathe the water up your nose until it reaches the point where it begins to overflow into your mouth. Then expel it and rinse your mouth out. Be careful not to add more than a teaspoonful to the water, and that the dish is of a size that enables you to fit your face into. If the mixture is too strong it will sting your nose for a while. A little trial and error will tell you how warm the water should be, which is warm enough but not hot. Do this three times a day, and it should ward off even the heaviest of colds well ahead of time.

Garlic nose drops. In his book The Healing Power of Garlic Paul Bergner writes: “Garlic nose drops directly kill the viruses that cause cold or flu.” He also writes about a study with mice where some were inoculated with garlic, and some were not. The flu virus was introduced to the nasal passages of each mouse. Those mice that received the garlic remained healthy, where all the others got sick. To make nose drops, Bergner instructs us to crush some garlic to obtain juice, and add ten parts water and mix well. Eating garlic will also have a systemic effect, but deodorized garlic tablets or capsules reportedly do not work near as well.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Another method is to fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Tilt your head back and spray it into your nostrils. It will bubble up and help to kill the bacteria in your nose. Hold for a few minutes and then blow your nose into a tissue. One can also use hydrogen peroxide in a vaporizer as well.

If an individual co-operates in a cleansing process of Nature by performing enemas, nasal washes and gives rest to his digestive system by observing a modified fast at the very beginning of cold or flu they will reduce the severity and length of their suffering and with a little luck get rid of the problem within 48 hours. During a fast, half lemon juice mixed with a glass of warm water may be taken several times a day. One or two spoons of honey may be added to this if desired. Not only does this help with the elimination process but it directs internal energies to healing instead of digesting and assimilating new food.

Zinc gluconate lozenges reduced the average
duration of common colds with exceptionally strong
statistical significance when taken in the first few hours.

Because most people don’t understand what detoxification symptoms are, they head to a drug-oriented doctor, who also doesn’t understand detoxification symptoms. The doctor confirms that they are sick, and then puts them on some sort of drug that is designed to stop the symptoms and this short circuits the detox dump and actually prolongs suffering. A real doctor will look at what is really going on and treat the problem on a fundamental level with medicinals that do not interfere with the natural process going on. According to recent studies use of over-the-counter cold and flu medicines at any stage of the illness only act to make it worse by prolonging the disease[3] and drugs like Tamiflu have their own dangerous toxicity that in certain cases is life threatening.

[1] “The Common Cold” Etiology, Prevention and Treatment*

VOLNEY S. CHENEY, M. D., FELLOW A. P. H. A.

Medical Director, Armour and Co., Chicago,Ill.

http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/reprint/18/1/15.pdf

[2] Note: “Neti pot salt” (or “aromatic salt”) is just a marketing gimmick to sell salt at a higher price. It usually has some essential oils added, which might have some therapeutic value, or which some people may find pleasing. However it should be viewed as a luxury at a premium price, with relatively little practical value. Use it if you wish, but pickling salt is usually just as pure and free of additives, is widely available, and generally inexpensive.

[3] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cold-remedies/ID00036

Flu treatment that worked in 1918

(NaturalNews) At least twenty million people died in the 1918 influenza epidemic and Eleanora McBean, Ph.D., N.D. tells us something pretty interesting about it. Drug-oriented medical doctors and hospitals, she tells us, "were losing 33% of their flu cases," while "non-medical hospitals such as Battle Creek, Kellogg and MacFadden's Health Restorium were getting almost 100% healings."

Most people reading this already know that drugs are almost never the answer to what ails the body. But, do you know how they were achieving an almost 100% recovery rate at Battle Creek, a facility run by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg?

A 1918 article titled "Spanish Influenza Treatment," edited by Dr. Kellogg, shares the recommended influenza protocols.

First, the patients were doing water enemas twice a day to clean their bowels. They'd use two or three pints of warm water and would cleanse their colon thoroughly, until all of the filth was removed. The enemas started at the beginning of the disease and continued until complete recovery.

Second, the patients were drinking three or four quarts of water or fruit juice each day to promote elimination through the kidneys and skin. A glass was taken each half hour, when awake. Fiber, such as bran, was mixed into foods including oatmeal and rice to promote bowel movements and the elimination of the problem.

Short hot baths and hot blanket packs were used to ease fevers and help with pain in the back and legs. A hot blanket pack entailed wrapping a person in a "hot as they could stand," wrung-out wet blanket for twelve to fifteen minutes. A wool blanket covered the outside of the wet blanket, and heads and faces were kept cool. If the pulse was rapid, an ice pack was held over the heart. For very high fevers, the hot blanket packs were used only for four or five minutes.

Cold compresses were used for headaches. For high fevers, a cold compress was used immediately after a short hot blanket pack to bring down the fever.

It wasn't said, because in 1918 it wasn't such a widespread problem, but obviously sugar, processed foods and junk foods should be avoided in the case of any flu or influenza. That's just common sense whenever your body is showing signs of problems. Patients were also kept in bed for several days after the fever was gone.

It was stated that these measures, applied intelligently, would bring the number of deaths from influenza, and the pneumonia that often followed, to a "negligible quantity." After the fact, we can see that statement was correct for those who applied them.

More:
http://biophile.co.za/children/supe...
http://www.whale.to/a/mcbean1.html
http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=...
http://www.answers.com/topic/battle...

Flu shots- think twice before accepting them !

(NaturalNews) At the 105th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society recently held in San Diego, researchers presented a study showing that the flu vaccine – widely touted as a "must have" for children with chronic illnesses – isn't effective in preventing influenza-related hospitalizations in children, especially ones with asthma. But here's the most damning evidence that flu shots aren't the safe, helpful vaccine the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC) and other government agencies claim: the researchers also found that children who get the flu vaccine are more at risk for hospitalization than their peers who do not get the vaccine.
Scientist Avni Joshi, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, told the meeting, "The concerns that vaccination may be associated with asthma exacerbations have been disproved with multiple studies in the past, but the vaccine's effectiveness has not been well-established. This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the TIV (trivalent inactivated flu vaccine in children overall, as well as the children with asthma, to prevent influenza-related hospitalization."

Paradoxically, he then presented the results that appeared to show the vaccine did cause health problems serious enough to result in children being admitted to hospitals for care.

Common sense recomandations for avoiding any flu

(NaturalNews) The recent news about the Swine Flu has created a media panic. While this strand of the flu has not been seen in a generation, there is no cause for alarm. All viruses behave in the same way, and most mutate during each flu season as well. The lack of immunity is not a cause for alarm. It IS a call for better diet and lifestyle. There are common sense health attitudes that will prevent the flu and help to heal the flu quickly. If symptoms persist or if a high fever develops, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. If normal flu and malaise symptoms are present, follow these common sense guidelines and let the body heal itself.

1.Bed rest
2.When you are ill, being active will weaken your defenses. This can make you susceptible to possible future complications.
3.Maintain a consistent room temperature and avoid changes like going outside, because this puts extra strain on the body.
4.Drink plenty of fluids, at least one quart of liquid a day.
When you have a fever, you lose body fluids through perspiration, and dehydration can occur. Also, you can get the nutrients you need to heal from liquids, especially if you drink soups or juices that contain nutrients and electrolytes. Chicken soup has been shown to be effective in treating colds and flu. Juices of both fruits and vegetables provide easily absorbed vitamins. If you drink soda, allow it to go flat before drinking or it may make you more nauseated. Do not drink alcohol as it lowers you immunity and can lengthen the duration of your recovery.

Suggested protocol for treating the flu

When you first feel symptoms and for duration of the flu...
Oscillococcinum
Vitamin C. 1000/hour
Zinc- a few times a day
Cod liver oil- 1 tsp 2x a day.

Foods to speed recover of the flu
Chicken soup with cayenne pepper
Lemonade with cayenne and maple syrup
Hydrate with natural sports drinks that contain salt and potassium
Bland diet- white rice
Eliminate sugar, dairy, and artificial chemicals from diet

For fever
Elderflower peppermint tea

For sore throat
Carrot poultice
Gargle with salt
Lemon and honey tea

Foods to avoid:
Dairy products (cheese, milk, eggs, butter, ice cream, etc.) produce extra mucus. Also avoid sugar, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, MSG, food additives, aerosol sprays, fried foods, saturated fat, white pasta and bread, salt, all sulfites and preservatives and processed foods.

GENERAL RULES FOR TREATING THE FLU
Stay home and rest. Let your body spend its energy healing.
Stay warm.
Get plenty of rest.
Hydrate.

See a doctor if symptoms persist of if you develop a high fever.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-in...
http://www.naturalnews.com/024911.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/025316.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/025780.html
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/up... 10-13

Use natural means to treat colds and flu!

(NaturalNews) There are no known cures for the common cold, but many plants and healing herbs can be used to soothe symptoms of the cold or flu. Science has now shown that remedies known from folk medicine can calm cold symptoms and even speed healing.

Andrographis:

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is used in Ayurvedic medicine, part of the Hindu folk medicine from India. Traditionally used to treat upper respiratory infections and sinusitis, Andrographis, based on a recent study, showed a reduction in symptoms of coughs, sore throats, headache and fever. If taken during the winter months on a daily basis, Andrographis may prevent upper respiratory tract infections, according to clinical evidence.

Boneset:

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) was used by Native Americans to treat fevers. It can also be used homeopathically. In a recent study, homeopathic doses of boneset effectively decreased cold symptoms.

Chamomile:

The herb, Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has been used in medicine for thousands of years. For a cold with congestion, inhale the steam of a chamomile extract or cup of tea. Drowsiness can be a side effect of taking Chamomile. It`s also used for calming the stomach and aiding insomnia.

Sage:

To treat a sore throat, use a mouthwash of Sage tea or extract in water. Gargling with Sage mouthwash is an approved use for treating sore throat, according to a German Health Commission.

Echinacea:

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea puruprea, Echinacea pallida) is widely used around the world to improve the body`s natural immune system and prevent colds and flu. Studies have not borne out Echinacea`s utility in preventing colds but it may help reduce the length and severity of a cold when taken after symptoms begin. Side effects of Echinacea include rashes, and some drug interactions.

Elder flowers:

Elder (Sambucus nigra) has been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial activity, according to recent laboratory studies. Mixed in equal parts with peppermint, Elder flowers help reduce the fevers and aches caused by colds and the flu.

Slippery Elm:

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) is a remedy from folk medicine that has long been used to treat sore throats. It is available as a tea or lozenge. It has a pleasant taste, making it easy to give to children, and has no known side effects.

Goldenseal:

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has a long history in treating cold and upper respiratory tract infections. It contains berberine, which acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. A very cleaning herb, it can be used externally, internally, in tincture or as a tea, and also as a homeopathic remedy.

Peppermint:

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a fragrant herb long used in herbal medicine. Tea or extract can be inhaled to clear sinusitis and nasal congestion. Rubbed on the skin, it reduces the joint pain and inflammation caused by infections. As a tea, it can help reduce fevers.



Many plants from nature provide healing of symptoms of the cold and flu.
Note: Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen. At signs of sudden weakness, or high fever, seek emergency care.



http://www.naturalnews.com/024911.html

http://www.naturalstandard.com/
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/col...

Drug -resistant FLU linked to pneumonia

The truth is that most Pneumonia comes from tampering with fevers. We should NEVER tamper with a Fever, rather induce one infact. People wish to lower temperatures which scuppers the immune system. Fevers create a large release of filth/mucus from the system. The natural bacteria etc of the body and Earth for cleansing then get to work. If the body is too filthy then they may kill you. Again stick to the correct living and you'll do just fine. This is where a lot of Pneumonia comes from. Stick to keeping the temperature going whilst utilising Garlic etc for the kill shots. Make sure that mucus gets released !

Drug-Resistant Flu Linked With Pneumonia, Norwegian Doctors Say

By Jason Gale
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...kgfc&refer=home


Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) -- A drug-resistant influenza strain that has spread globally this year needs further study to gauge its virulence, according to doctors in Norway who found the bug was linked with patients suffering more severe symptoms.

A form of the H1N1 seasonal flu virus that evades Roche Holding AG's Tamiflu appeared more likely to cause pneumonia and sinusitis than the H1N1 strain without the resistance-causing mutation, researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo and the U.K.'s Health Protection Agency said.

While ``not a statistically significant finding,'' results of the study, involving fewer than 300 patients, ``warrant further investigation,'' the authors said. The study was released online today ahead of publication in the February edition of Emerging Infectious Diseases by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tamiflu-evading influenza has been reported in 50 countries on six continents since widespread resistance to the bestselling antiviral was first reported to the World Health Organization by Norway in January. Its emergence prompted doctors to consider other medicines, such as GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Relenza, to fight a disease the WHO estimates causes 250,000 to 500,000 deaths annually.

In the U.S., doctors prescribing anti-flu treatments should give their patients Relenza, an orally inhaled medicine, or a combination of Tamiflu and an older drug called rimantadine, the CDC said in a Dec. 19 statement. Basel, Geneva-based Roche had worldwide Tamiflu sales of $1.74 billion in 2007 and $2.1 billion in 2006.

Dominant Strain

Of the 65 H1N1 viruses tested in the U.S. since October, 99 percent were resistant to oseltamivir, and all were susceptible to Relenza, rimantadine and amantadine, a similar drug, the CDC said. H1N1 is the dominant flu strain currently circulating in the U.S. this winter. In Europe, the H3N2 seasonal flu strain, which is susceptible to Tamiflu, is more common.

Preliminary data indicate that Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 flu viruses don't cause different or more severe symptoms compared with Tamiflu-sensitive H1N1 viruses, the CDC said in its Dec. 19 health advisory. Flu typically causes fever, joint and muscle ache, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

Of patients infected with the mutant strain in the Norwegian study, 9.2 percent had pneumonia and 6.2 percent had sinusitis. That compares with a pneumonia risk of 2.9 percent and sinusitis risk of 3 percent in patients infected with a non- resistant H1N1 strain. Risk ratios weren't statistically significant after adjusting for age, gender, and predisposing disease, according to the study.

Pandemic Plans

The emergence of Tamiflu-resistance has raised concern that the medicine, stockpiled by governments worldwide, might become a less powerful weapon in the fight against the H5N1 avian strain and any global contagion it spawns because of the potential for bird flu and pandemic flu to exchange genes with drug-resistant seasonal flu.

``Resistance in a more virulent influenza virus can have serious public health implications because of fewer therapeutic and prophylactic options, which may result in more persons being affected by influenza and more severe illness and death in those who become infected,'' Siri H. Hauge and colleagues wrote. ``These findings should be taken into consideration when shaping future strategies for treating and preventing seasonal and pandemic influenza.''

The researchers found the resistant strain occurred in the absence of selective pressure caused by widespread Tamiflu usage. The pill is not available in Norway without a prescription and it is rarely prescribed there, they said.

``Our data indicate that the viruses carrying this resistance mutation are fully capable of persistence and spread in the absence of selective pressure,'' the authors wrote.

To contact the reporters on this story: Jason Gale in Singapore at j.gale@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 31, 2008 00:57 EST