Growing awareness of avian flu threat

The public has become more aware of the influenza pandemic that experts believe could hit the world soon, with many people contacting family doctors seeking to know more about the threat.

"We have had a lot of patients asking for information about the pandemic and about what they can do to protect themselves," Pierre Mallia, president of the Malta College of Family Doctors, told The Times.

He underlined the need for people to better understand the distinction between an influenza pandemic and the epidemics that hit the world every year.

Influenza experts believe that the world is getting closer to an influenza pandemic that will probably be caused by the avian flu virus H5N1.

The fear is that the virus, which has already killed people in South East Asia, will mutate and become easy to transmit among humans. The experts think the pandemic could hit around 20 per cent of the world's population, with a fatality rate of around 0.5 per cent.

Dr Mallia said a good number of people are calling their doctor to order the vaccine for the annual influenza epidemic. Although this vaccine does not target the pandemic strain - which will only be identified once the pandemic starts - it could offer some protection.

Doctors are highlighting the importance of people taking the vaccine and the World Health Organisation has asked countries to increase their vaccination coverage. Malta will be doing so. While until last year those over 65 and those in high risk groups were offered the vaccine for free, the coverage will be extended to those over 55 and also to infants between six and 24 months as from this year.

"A good number of people who usually book the annual vaccine, have done so beforehand this year," said Dr Mallia, adding that other people who don't usually order the vaccine have also done so.

Local health experts have stressed the importance of taking the vaccine in October and not before, to ensure the best coverage during the months when influenza usually hits. The influenza season stretches from December to March and the immunity offered by the vaccine is available for around six months. If the vaccine taken too early, it might not offer immunity if the influenza strikes late during the season. Last season, the peak of influenza activity took place between mid-February and mid-March.

While there is interest in the annual jab and the influenza in general, as yet there is no real interest in antivirals, which will soon be available on the local market.

Roche's Oseltamivir Phosphate and GlaxoSmithKline's inhaled antiviral drug Zanamivir will be available shortly through the private sector.

Dr Mallia said antivirals have to be prescribed by a doctor. Although there is nothing wrong with buying antivirals, Dr Mallia stressed the importance that these are only taken when the pandemic flu strikes.

Antivirals will be crucial during the pandemic, especially during the first few months, since the specific vaccine for the pandemic strain will not be available immediately. When taken within 48 hours from the onset of symptoms, antivirals shorten the period of illness and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Asked whether the college is in favour of prescribing antivirals before the pandemic starts so that people can stock them, Dr Mallia said there is no policy yet but added that the college was looking into the matter.

Dr Mallia said that the college was collaborating with the Health Division to see how family doctors could help during the pandemic.