Shiloh
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Source: http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/flu-medication-trial/1260682.aspx
Flu medication trial
BY REBECCA RICHARDSON
3/09/2008 4:00:00 AM
IT'S that time of the year again when runny noses, sore throats, aches and pains are rife in homes, schools and offices.
Catching a cold, or developing a flu can be an inconvenience, but in some cases flu can be fatal.
Doctors at Caringbah Medical and Dental Centre are conducting a trial on a new medication to prevent patients from reaching that stage.
The drug, which they hope will be available to the public within five years, is stronger than those now available and requires only one injection, rather than a course.
The centre is seeking people who are suffering flu symptoms (and not a cold) within 36 hours of the attack to take part in the study. People must be over 18 years and relatively healthy. The study will involve being injected with the medication and monitored over five visits to assess its effectiveness.
The study's supervisor Negar Amanat said complications from influenza, such as pneumonia, could become serious if left untreated, especially for children and elderly. A sufferer should see their GP within 48 hours of having flu symptoms to improve the effectiveness of any drugs prescribed.
Dr Amanat emphasised that the difference between the symptoms of a cold and a flu must be understood before patients visited the clinic. People with a cold are not eligible to take part in the study, and participants will be reimbursed for time and travel expenses.
Details: Australian Clinical Research Organisation at Caringbah Medical and Dental Centre, level 2, 42 President Avenue, Caringbah; 0411 772 946.
THE COLD FACTS
Catching the flu means a week in bed for some people, but for others it can mean death.
Influenza is the cause of death of more than 2000 people aged 50-plus in Australia each year, more than 10,000 hospital admissions, and 80,000 GP visits.
Dr Negar Amanat from the Australian Clinical Research Organisation said a cold was often mistaken for the flu.
"The main things with the flu are the high fevers and the body aches that you get that you don't get with a simple cold,'' she said.
Anyone suffering from a combination of severe nasal congestion, a temperature over 37.8 degrees, severe headache, aches, pains and fatigue, as well as weakness, dry cough and sore throat, may be suffering from influenza, not an ordinary cold.
Flu medication trial
BY REBECCA RICHARDSON
3/09/2008 4:00:00 AM
IT'S that time of the year again when runny noses, sore throats, aches and pains are rife in homes, schools and offices.
Catching a cold, or developing a flu can be an inconvenience, but in some cases flu can be fatal.
Doctors at Caringbah Medical and Dental Centre are conducting a trial on a new medication to prevent patients from reaching that stage.
The drug, which they hope will be available to the public within five years, is stronger than those now available and requires only one injection, rather than a course.
The centre is seeking people who are suffering flu symptoms (and not a cold) within 36 hours of the attack to take part in the study. People must be over 18 years and relatively healthy. The study will involve being injected with the medication and monitored over five visits to assess its effectiveness.
The study's supervisor Negar Amanat said complications from influenza, such as pneumonia, could become serious if left untreated, especially for children and elderly. A sufferer should see their GP within 48 hours of having flu symptoms to improve the effectiveness of any drugs prescribed.
Dr Amanat emphasised that the difference between the symptoms of a cold and a flu must be understood before patients visited the clinic. People with a cold are not eligible to take part in the study, and participants will be reimbursed for time and travel expenses.
Details: Australian Clinical Research Organisation at Caringbah Medical and Dental Centre, level 2, 42 President Avenue, Caringbah; 0411 772 946.
THE COLD FACTS
Catching the flu means a week in bed for some people, but for others it can mean death.
Influenza is the cause of death of more than 2000 people aged 50-plus in Australia each year, more than 10,000 hospital admissions, and 80,000 GP visits.
Dr Negar Amanat from the Australian Clinical Research Organisation said a cold was often mistaken for the flu.
"The main things with the flu are the high fevers and the body aches that you get that you don't get with a simple cold,'' she said.
Anyone suffering from a combination of severe nasal congestion, a temperature over 37.8 degrees, severe headache, aches, pains and fatigue, as well as weakness, dry cough and sore throat, may be suffering from influenza, not an ordinary cold.
