Ari Brown--

I found a swine flu news story that really disturbed me. Apparently the British have set up a call in center for their citizens to easily get a prescription for Tamiflu. No need to see a doctor. No need to confirm the diagnosis with a physical exam or a simple flu test. All you have to do is call and speak to a person who mans the phones (who may have as little as three hours of an in-service) to decide whether or not you need to be treated.

I realize that the number of swine flu cases this fall and winter may become overwhelming. And, it's possible our primary care doctors, clinics, and emergency rooms will get flooded with patients needing diagnosis and possible treatment. However, giving Tamiflu out like water has the potential to enable the virus to become a resistant strain. Then, we won't have Tamiflu to treat our sickest patients.

I truly believe widespread vaccination will be the best way to keep the most people healthy. Then, we will have some treatment left to offer if someone needs it.

Ari Brown, M.D., FAAP, is a pediatrician, book author, child health advocate, and a mom. Dr. Brown completed a bachelor’s degree in child development from the University of Texas at Austin. She completed her general pediatric residency at Harvard Medical School/Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Brown is Board Certified and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She works full-time in private practice in Austin, Texas.

Dr. Brown’s passion to educate families about children’s health led her to co-author the books, Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year and Toddler 411. She has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CNN, Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, and ABC News. She serves on the advisory board for Parents Magazine and hosts a message board at their website, Parents.com.

Ground Zero: A Texas Pediatrician Views H1N1

Copyright © 2006-2009, Basil & Spice. All rights reserved.