**Update February 2009** ECDC: severe measures needed to combat flu

The recent publication of the VIRGIL network report suggests the presence of Tamiflu resistance in some of the A (H1N1) viruses circulating in Europe. Combined with a 2009 influenza season that has seen higher consultation rates than in previous seasons, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control strongly recommends that healthcare workers and high risk groups be vaccinated.


Tamiflu Resistance in 2008

The EU-funded VIRGIL network and national Influenza centres tested 1497 samples of the A (H1N1) flu virus strain between November 2007 and January 2008 in 18 European countries.

The results from surveillance of antiviral drug susceptibility among seasonal influenza viruses circulating in Europe showed that some of the A (H1N1) viruses are resistant to the antiviral drug, generally known as Tamiflu (oseltamivir).

The proportion of A/H1N1 viruses that are resistant varies across Europe. The highest proportion of resistant viruses have been found in Norway where 66% of the samples tested positive for resistance to Tamiflu. The country with the second highest proportion is France (39% of examined samples).

These are the first ever human influenza viruses resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) found to be circulating in the community. Nonetheless, the experience in Norway suggests that people infected with the oseltamivir resistant strain of A (H1N1) do not seem to become more ill than those infected with "normal" seasonal influenza.

Higher influenza consultations requires higher care in prevention

In January 2009, ECDC published a technical opinion in which they advise healthcare workers and high risk groups to be vaccinated against influenza.

The European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) observed that consultation rates for the 2008-2009 season had been higher than the previous seasons. The advice states that there will be a further spread of influenza in northern and eastern Europe in the coming months, hence the need to carry out vaccination campaigns to target people at risk, such as older people and people who have chronic medical diseases. Reduce the spread of influenza

Reducing the spread of influenza requires actions on high risk groups , basic hygiene measures, such as washing your hands and avoiding contact with other people when ill. Medication should also be taken to prevent or reduce the severity of the symptoms.

For further information

- ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)
- VIRGIL network

EPHA related articles

- **Avian Influenza - Update January 2008**
-  Animal Avian Influenza: new cases in Europe in June and July 2007
- Library of links on Influenza

Last modified on April 1 2009.