There are two types of influenza viruses commonly seen in North America; influenza A and B. The Dallas County Health Department reports that most of the cases of influenza seen so far this year have been Influenza A (H1N1). New this season however is that 98% of the influenza A viruses tested in the 2008 - 2009 season have been resistant to Tamiflu (oseltamivir) - one of the most commonly used flu treatments.
Fortunately, the Tamiflu-resistant influenza A strains are very similar to the type contained in this year's flu vaccine, so the vaccine should be protective for most patients who receive it.
If you have not yet had the 2008 - 2009 flu vaccine, it is not too late to do so. Flu season in North Texas lasts until late Spring. Flu vaccine supply remains very good and particularly with the drug - resistant virus seen in our area, we continue to recommend vaccination for all patients regardless of risk category.
We have reserved vaccine doses for each of our CEM members, please call us if you've managed to evade our efforts to shoot you!
Written by Scott W. Yates, MD, MBA, MS, FACP
