May 19, 2009 - Pensito

From ProMed:

With the recent explosion of A(H1N1/2009) cases in Japan, it will probably be prudent to monitor for Tamiflu (oseltamivir) resistance. One Roche representative in Hong Kong told me that Japan accounts for about 70 percent of the world’s use of Tamiflu (even before avian H5N1 and the new H1N1/2009 viruses appeared). Thus, if Tamiflu resistance occurs with this new A(H1N1/2009) virus anywhere, it may well first happen in Japan. Also, a language barrier may delay this revelation.

However, now Tamiflu is used in many countries (particularly in Europe) in patients for whom it was previously not recommended (i.e., otherwise healthy adults with no underlying chronic disease or immuno-suppression with uncomplicated infection with seasonal influenza virus) to try to curtail the onward transmission of this new A(H1N1/2009) virus.

So, if this continues, ironically, maybe the rest of the world will catch up with Japan as a potential source of Tamiflu resistance. This policy may be counter-productive in that if this fails to control the spread of this virus, then in those who eventually need Tamiflu for serious illness (if the feared more lethal second wave of the pandemic does actually appear), it may be ineffective.

– —
Dr. Julian W Tang
Consultant Virologist
Division of Microbiology/Molecular Diagnostic Centre
Department of Laboratory Medicine
National University Hospital

[Dr. Tang identifies an important issue, namely whereas the widespread use of Tamiflu with the aim of disrupting the transmission of the novel strain of H1N1 influenza virus is fully justified, indiscriminate use of Tamiflu in non-urgent situations may hasten the evolution of Tamiflu-resistant strains. Many, but not all, healthcare agencies are aware of this possibility. Fortunately, in the case of seasonal influenza strains, Tamiflu-resistance has not always been accompanied by cross-resistance to the other currently available neuraminidase inhibitor, Relenza. — Moderator CP]
Singapore

Was I out of the room when the Republicans apologized for the Bush years? Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele is planning to stop doing it, which means at some point they started. How did I miss that?

“The era of apologizing for Republican mistakes of the past is now officially over,” Steele will say in a speech to the RNC’s 2009 State Chairmen’s Meeting, according to excerpts obtained by CNN. “It is done. We have turned the page, we have turned the corner. No more looking in the review mirror. From this point forward, we will focus all of our energies on winning the future.”

Do you remember any Republican “apologizing” or in any way looking backward and identifying mistakes? If you can dig up a quote where anyone anywhere did so, please submit it in the comments.

Day: May 19, 2009

Pensito Flu Update: Tamiflu Resistance

Quote du Jour

If it’s 2012 and our party is defined by Palin and Limbaugh and Cheney, then we’re headed for a blowout.

— Republican strategist John Weaver, quoted in the Washington Examiner.

No More Apologies, Steele Says. Um, No ‘More?’

Poetic Justice

Verbatim

“The man is afraid of the voice of the people and that the people understand and know what he’s doing. He’s trying to stifle the ability of journalists to let the people of America know what’s really going on with their government.”

— “Kamala Harris called President Donald Trump’s ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House ‘absolutely abhorrent,’” The Wrap reports.

“Not one of them is trained in technical skills. Not one research PhD, as opposed to China, where half the cabinet is science and technology PhDs. We’re led by grifters and fools.”

— Columbia professor Jeffrey Sachs, on X, on President Trump’s 35-person cabinet.

“Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far… The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today.”

— Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), breaking with President Trump in a direct-to-camera video.

Numerati

1,000

10%

“The unprecedented spate of mid-decade redistricting for the U.S. House has changed the congressional districts for one-tenth of Americans and significantly altered the makeup of at least one-fifth of districts, according to a new study,” the Associated Press reports.

71%

A new Fox News Poll finds 71% of voters think the Trump administration lacks a clear strategy for ending the Iran War, including 95% of Democrats, 83% of independents, and 43% of Republicans. Sixty percent say U.S. military action against Iran was the wrong decision, while just 37% say it was right.

$9.5 billion

“The Trump administration last year spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal workers as part of its plan to shrink the government and save taxpayers money, according to a new estimate by a congressional watchdog,” CNN reports.

470

Reuters has documented at least 470 targets of retribution under Trump’s leadership – from federal employees and prosecutors to universities and media outlets. The list illuminates the sweeping effort by the president and his administration to punish dissent and reshape the government.