European countries have been using antiviral drugs much more aggressively than the United States and Mexico to combat swine flu _ a difference in strategy that could have a big impact as the virus that is already linked to 63 deaths spreads around the planet, reported The Associated Press. The World Health Organization recommends the U.S. and Mexican approach _ saving Tamiflu and Relenza for those patients most at risk. «European countries, which are mainly importing the cases, have been using antivirals very aggressively,» WHO medical expert Dr. Nikki Shindo said Tuesday. «Countries like Mexico and the United States, they are trying to save the treatment for patients with underlying conditions and also the other groups at increased risk, such as pregnant women.» Each country's health experts must decide if infected people should immediately be treated with antivirals, Shindo said _ a decision that also must take into account how many antivirals are available in each country. «As part of pandemic preparedness plans we urge countries to plan for prioritization.»
