Cases of a superflu which is resistant to one of the most common anti-viral treatments have been detected in Scotland.
Cases of a superflu which is resistant to one of the most common anti-viral treatments have been detected in Scotland.
Two patients have been identified with the strain, which does not respond to the drug Tamiflu, so far this winter. There have also been a dozen cases in England.
Dr Jim McMenamin, consultant epidemiologist for surveillance agency Health Protection Scotland, said symptoms caused by the resistant virus were no worse than those triggered by typical influenza, but there were less treatment options for sufferers.
So far, the other two popular flu drugs have worked against the virus.
Dr McMenamin said: "We have not seen the appearance of multiple-drug resistance, we have seen just this one medicine with this particular virus. But there is no need for us to become complacent. We are continuing to make sure that samples are tested to see if there are any other resistance patterns."
The resistant flu first emerged during the last flu season, when it was spotted in 26 European countries.
Dr McMenamin stressed it was critical for patients who are eligible for flu vaccinations to obtain the injection from their GP. Patients over the age of 65 and people of all ages with conditions such as diabetes and asthma qualify for the vaccine.
The latest figures show 67.6% of patients over the age of 65 have already received their dose, against a target of at least 70%.
NHS Scotland has ordered 1.2 million doses of the vaccine this year and GP surgeries across Scotland have received their supplies.
