Taiwan extends free flu drug access
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Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control extended its program providing free antiviral drugs to eligible residents until October 31, as the country’s influenza epidemic worsens.
The CDC will allow people with flu-like symptoms from seven groups to receive medication, Tamiflu and Eraflu, without first taking a rapid influenza test. These groups include healthcare workers, residents of care facilities, students, people caring for high-risk individuals, farmers, and personnel in crowded settings.
Doctors will determine if antiviral drugs are necessary and when to administer them, based on a patient’s condition. The CDC urges anyone experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or altered consciousness to seek immediate medical attention. Alongside the drug access, the agency continues to recommend preventative measures such as frequent handwashing and mask-wearing. Tracking data also revealed that released Formosan black bears, the bears native to Taiwan, travel closer to human settlements than previously believed, increasing the potential for conflicts.
