Commissioner of the National Influenza Center in Belgium has made recommendations for people suffering from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis regarding the prevention and treatment of influenza, possible Swine Flu or H1N1.

Patients suffering from an inflammatory disease such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis show changes in the immune system therefore often need medication that can affect the immune resistance.

The Working Group ‘influenza and chronic diseases’ of the Interministerial Commissioner Influenza think that users of these medications are at increased risk of influenza A/H1N1 (Swine flu).

The working group recommends patients Swine Flu use vaccination. Patients with influenza-like symptoms are strongly advised to consult their doctor. When they are hit by the influenza A/H1N1 (Swine Flu), these patients benefit from antiviral treatment.

Patients at risk will be a priority for vaccination with the free H1N1 swine flu vaccine.

Which countries will receive the drug, and how will they be selected?
WHO has arranged the first deployment of antiviral drugs from the WHO stockpile to 72 countries. Priority was given to vulnerable countries, taking into consideration national manufacturing and procurement capacity. As necessary, other countries will be supported through regional office stockpiles.

Current information on Swine Flu
For current information on influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu), both patients and doctors rely on the website of the World Health Organization.