Limited access to antivirals in pandemic

There will not be timely access to antivirals and vaccines in the current flu epidemic for 90 per cent of the world's population.

That is according to Dr David Fedson, an immunisation expert who has published his views in the journal Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.

However, he also claimed that inexpensive generic drugs that can be obtained easily in developing countries may be effective and millions of lives.

"Despite the best efforts of influenza scientists, pharmaceutical companies and health officials, the stark reality is that although studies of the molecular characteristics of influenza viruses have been enormously informative, they have failed to explain the system-wide effects that flu has on people who contract it," Dr Fedson stated.

"Most of the world's population lack realistic alternatives for confronting the next pandemic and urgent research is vital. Otherwise people everywhere might be faced with an unprecedented public health crisis."

Currently, around 88 per cent of the world's population live in non-vaccine producing nations.

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