treatment plan for H1N1 in M'sia

Symptomatic Relief:
1. Take analgesic/anti-fever medication such as paracetamol ;
the recommended dose is;

Adult :
500mg – 1000mg every 4 – 6 hours , maximum 4g daily

Children:
Child up to 1 year: 60 – 120mg/dose
Child 1- 5 years: 120 – 240 mg/dose
Child 6 – 12 years: 240 – 480mg/dose

2. Currently there are 2 types of antiviral available for treatment of influenza in MOH namely oseltamivir as first line treatment and zanamivir as alternative treatment. The current indications for the use of antivirals in the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza in Malaysia are:

· Oseltamivir
Treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in adults who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.


· Zanamivir
Treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza virus in patients 12 years and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.

How to administer:
May be taken with or without food, but the chance of getting stomach upset is lesser if it is taken with food or milk. Oral Suspension for Reconstitution:
· Tap the bottle to loosen the powder.
· Add the amount of water specified on the bottle
· Shake well for 15 seconds
· Following the reconstitution direction, oseltamivir oral suspension contains 12mg of osetalmivir per mL

Missed dose:
· Take as soon as you remember.
· If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose.
· Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed

References:
http://www.pharmacy.gov.my/
http://www.h1n1.moh.gov.my/
http://www.rxlist.com/tamiflu-drug.htm