Tamiflu, an anti-flu drug that works by blocking an enzyme that makes our respiratory tracts vulnerable to the virus, has a shelf life of only 3 years.
Critically, it is also largely ineffective against secondary bacterial infections. And it was these infections which were largely responsible for the huge number of deaths in the pandemic of 1918 mentioned in my previous post.
When used as directed, Tamiflu reduces symptoms by a day or two at best! Hardly a miracle drug. And not without potential side-effects. In fact, Japan banned in use for children in 2007.
Yet, in response to the birdflu threat, the USA ordered 20 million doses (about $2 billion) around October 2005, with the UK ordering 14.6 million doses at roughly the same time.
Big money, for big companies ... fuelled by fear, speculation, maybe even expedience. All justified conveniently by the unchartered territory of potential disaster.
Call me a cynic.
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