Originally published October 3 2005
CDC study calls for re-evaluation of the fight against influenza
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has released a new study, overseen by Dr. Rick Bright, that suggests vaccinating the elderly and the use of anti-viral medications are not as effective as previously thought.
Dr. Rick Bright, a research scientist at the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has found that A strains of flu viruses have been developing resistance to Symmetrel and Flumadine for years.
Bright's study now shows an increase in resistance by 12 percent since the mid-'90s.
Resistance is strongest among A strains circulating in Asia, home to dozens of new influenza viruses.
Flu viruses classified as A strains include a highly infectious range, most of which are associated with their ability to trigger outbreaks and epidemics.
The drugs have been mainstays in the prevention and treatment of influenza in nursing homes, where bouts with the infection can prove life threatening.
The other class, neuraminidase inhibitors, work differently from the adamantanes and include oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu, and zanamivir, sold as Relenza.
Bright found in his studies of A strains in circulation in the United States during the early months of this year that 15 percent were resistant to Symmetrel and Flumadine.
Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, said the problem with resistance "is no surprise and it's not alarming."
He also underscored that Symmetrel and Flumadine have been useless in Asia where doctors have been treating cases of bird flu.
In a second study, an analysis of 40 years of research produced evidence that flu shots are only moderately effective in people 65 and older.
The study conducted by Dr. Tom Jefferson of the Cochrane Vaccine Field in Italy is the second this year to demonstrate such ineffectiveness.
Dr. Carolyn Bridges of the CDC, however, said neither vaccine study was very rigorous.
"The CDC and other public health agencies are continuing to recommend vaccination for elderly people, no question about it," Bridges said.
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