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SINGAPORE: Researchers have uncovered more insights into the behaviour of the H1N1 strain of influenza.
On comparing the H1N1 strain of influenza and the seasonal flu, researchers said that the two flu strains affect patients with the same symptoms and body temperature at presentation.
These findings, from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, are based on studies on its first 70 H1N1 patients.
"One of the things we also realised is that for those individuals who present early, and get treatment early, they can shorten the duration of virals recovered from the nose and the throat," said Associate Professor Leo Yee Sin, clinical director, Communicable Disease Centre, Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
The research team also found that some patients infected with the H1N1 strain continue to shed the infectious virus for 10 or more days after the start of infection. And they said these findings imply that it would be difficult to implement a strict containment policy for H1N1 patients.
In response to the findings, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said its strategy of fighting the virus will depend on whether it stays mild or changes to become more virulent.
The ministry also said that the proportion of patients with influenza-like illness infected with the H1N1 virus at polyclinics, GP clinics and hospitals from October 4 to 10 was 16 per cent.
Professor Leo is also working with teams from Changi General Hospital, National University Hospital and Singapore General Hospital on research that could change the way doctors treat patients suffering from the H1N1 virus. The collective team is called the "Adult Infectious Diseases Network".
One study will look at dosages of oseltamivir - the generic name for the drug Tamiflu.
"If a higher dose of Oseltamivir can give better clinical outcome, then that approach will become standard of care, which we will provide to our patients," said Professor Leo.
The study is expected to take one to two years to complete and researchers hope to recruit 90-120 adult patients suffering from severe cases of H1N1 for the study.
And there is good news for those who have recovered from H1N1 infection. Professor Leo said these patients do not need to be vaccinated against the virus because they would have built up a natural immunity to it.
The Adult Infectious Diseases Network will conduct another study that will focus on whether platelet transfusion is necessary to treat dengue fever patients.
Professor Leo will be presenting more of her findings at the Annual Science Congress on Friday.
- CNA/sc
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