Flu can be a killer

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has ruled that Tamiflu should be made available to people aged 65 and over, and younger patients with serious health problems.

Tamiflu, is the only treatment which can be taken orally, in a capsule or syrup.

It is the same type of drug as Relenza, but that has to be inhaled, which research has found can make it hard for elderly people to take - despite them being most likely to benefit.

Drug to be given to people with: Chronic lung disease, including asthma Heart disease Long-term kidney disease Diabetes Weak immune system

Flu can be fatal for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, who can develop complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is estimated that 10% - 15% of the population develop flu in any one year and that 3,000 to 4,000 deaths per year can be attributed to the complications of flu.

Tamiflu is also the first drug licensed to treat influenza in children.

Children who catch the virus can develop painful middle-ear infections, which can cause hearing problems, delaying speech development.

Tamiflu and Relenza are neuraminidase inhibitors, designed specifically to target the influenza virus.

They work by stopping the virus sticking onto cells in the upper respiratory tract. Normally the virus then reproduces, but neuraminidase inhibitors also stops that happening.

Vaccination best

Andrew Dillon, chief executive of NICE said vaccination - which is offered free through the NHS to certain at risk groups - was the most effective way to prevent flu-related illness.

But he said: "Today's guidance further increases the options available to health professionals when protecting people who are considered to be 'at risk' if they develop flu.

"For the majority of people however, the advice remains the same - don't visit the GP, stay at home and treat the symptoms of flu with over-the-counter medicines."

John Oxford, professor of virology at Barts and the London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine, has carried out a study which found Tamiflu was effective in preventing people around a flu sufferer developing the disease themselves.

It was effective in over 80% of cases.

Research has also indicated Tamiflu can cut the severity of flu symptoms by around 40% and their duration by 30%.

Tamiflu was also shown to cut the number chest infections linked to flu needing antibiotics by 50% and hospitalisations by 61%.

In children, the drug reduced the incidence of middle ear infections in those affected by flu by 44%.

However, it must be taken within 48 hours to be effective, and minor side effects can include nausea and vomiting.