There's plenty of antiviral to fight swine flu, state says

May 3, 2009
by JENNIFER BOOTH REED
Fort Myers News-Press

Some reports suggest Florida is behind in its flu preparations. A report by the Trust for America's Health, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, found as of September, Florida had only purchased 66,000 of the 1.7 million courses of antiviral medication the federal government recommended.

The government had recommended states have enough antiviral medication on hand to treat 25 percent of its population. Antivirals such as Tamiflu and Relenza help minimize the symptoms of people sick with flu and help those exposed to the virus fight it off.

"The antivirals are the first line of defense, and as it stands, Florida's defenses are a little weak," said Serena Vinter, senior research associate at the advocacy group.

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