Antivirals guidelines issued

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued guidelines giving people information about how to use antivirals.

These recommendations can be used by health authorities dealing with patients infected with H1N1, also known as swine flu.

An international panel of experts on the virus has came up with the advice, which puts emphasis on the use of oseltamivir and zanamivir.

The main reasons for releasing the tips are to reduce the amount of people becoming severely ill, dying, or being admitted to hospital because of swine flu.

"For patients who initially present with severe illness or whose condition begins to deteriorate, WHO recommends treatment with oseltamivir as soon as possible," the organisation stated.

"Clinicians, patients, and those providing home-based care need to be alert to danger signs that can signal progression to more severe disease."

Symptoms of the virus include a shortness of breath, turning blue, low blood pressure and altered mental status.

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