Swine flu and Tamiflu

Concerns have been raised that swine flu is becoming resistant to anti-viral drugs at the same time that ACT Health braces for a potential outbreak of the disease as children return from school holidays.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said there was isolated evidence that swine flu was becoming resistant to the anti-viral drug Tamiflu overseas.
''I do agree with doctors that we have to be careful not to over-prescribe this medication. It's why we're urging people, the vast majority who have mild symptoms, not to take Tamiflu unless they are in a vulnerable category and unless their doctor recommends that it's necessary,'' Ms Roxon said.
She warned swine flu would persist for months, and ACT Chief Health Officer Charles Guest said the end of holidays could lead to an outbreak of swine flu when children return to classrooms today.
''The return to school ... changes the groupings around and yes, it's possible that we might see a spike in cases ... On the other hand there is a lot of flu this week here and elsewhere,'' Dr Guest said.