Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

What Is Favipiravir? COVID-Era Antiviral Now Used In Hantavirus Response In UK

What Is Favipiravir? COVID-Era Antiviral Now Used In Hantavirus Response

Amid the scare of <span>hantavirus</span> led by a rare strain that causes human-to-human transmission, the UK government has received supplies of the antiviral drug <span>Favipiravir</span> from Japan to tackle the risk of the rat-borne disease in the country.

The <span>antiviral favipiravir</span>, from the Japanese company Fujifilm, that gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic, is being considered as an experimental option to treat the deadly <span>hantavirus outbreak</span> linked to the <span>MV Hondius</span> cruise liner. To date, the medication has been tested as an emergency treatment for new or re-emerging flu.

The UK Health Security Agency said that “the supplies of favipiravir would bolster treatment stocks, even though the risk of wider transmission in the UK remained very low”.

The hantavirus outbreak that began on MV Hondius has so far caused three deaths and 11 cases.

There is no specific therapy for hantavirus, which is primarily spread by rodents but can be transmitted between people in rare cases and after prolonged, close contact. Treatment usually focuses on supportive care such as rest and fluids, while some patients may need breathing support.

<h2>Favipiravir’s Role In Viral Treatment</h2>

In Japan, favipiravir is sold under the brand name Avigan by a unit of Fujifilm as an emergency medication for novel or re-emerging flu.

The drug works by blocking a key enzyme that many viruses need to multiply.

Use of favipiravir in hantavirus would generally be considered experimental or compassionate rather than standard care, and most likely to treat severe infection early on, said Piet Maes, a virologist at the University of Brussels, Reuters News Agency reported.

Maes said evidence so far comes only from lab and animal studies, with no strong human trial data showing the drug works against hantavirus. There is no internationally established clinical protocol recommending its routine use for hantavirus.

Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral medication, most notably produced and marketed in India by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals under the brand name FabiFlu. 

First approved in Japan for severe influenza, it became widely recognized for emergency use in the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 to help rapidly reduce viral load.

<h2>How Effective Has Favipiravir Been?</h2>

Favipiravir has remained controversial due to several side effects reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, in a rare complication from treatment with the COVID-19 antiviral, the eyes of a six-month-old baby boy from Thailand turned an unusual shade of blue.

According to researchers from Chulabhorn Royal Academy in Bangkok, the boy, who suffered fever and cough lasting one day, was diagnosed with COVID infection.

In a prior investigation, a higher frequency of uric acid elevation in younger patients treated with favipiravir was observed, which could be linked to decreased urine output.

In addition, favipiravir has also been shown to cause fluorescence in human hair and nails. This adverse effect may be due to the drug, its metabolites, or additional tablet components such as titanium dioxide and yellow ferric oxide.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

what-is-favipiravir-covid-era-antiviral-now-used-in-hantavirus-response

Favipiravir

hantavirus outbreak

Antiviral Favipiravir

Hantavirus

mv hondius

COVID Era Antiviral

79th-world-health-assembly-india-created-over-880-million-digital-health-ids-says-j-p-nadda

79th World Health Assembly: India Created Over 880 Million Digital Health IDs, Says J P Nadda

how-did-the-3rd-bundibugyo-ebola-outbreak-begin-experts-say-delayed-detection-fueled-spread

How Did The 3rd Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak Begin? Experts Say Delayed Detection Fueled Spread

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Amid the scare of hantavirus led by a rare strain that causes human-to-human transmission, the UK government has received supplies of the antiviral drug Favipiravir from Japan to tackle the risk of the rat-borne disease in the country.The antiviral favipiravir, from the Japanese company Fujifilm, that gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic, is being considered as an experimental option to treat the deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise liner. To date, the medication has been tested as an emergency treatment for new or re-emerging flu.The UK Health Security Agency said that “the supplies of favipiravir would bolster treatment stocks, even though the risk of wider transmission in the UK remained very low”.The hantavirus outbreak that began on MV Hondius has so far caused three deaths and 11 cases.There is no specific therapy for hantavirus, which is primarily spread by rodents but can be transmitted between people in rare cases and after prolonged, close contact. Treatment usually focuses on supportive care such as rest and fluids, while some patients may need breathing support.Favipiravir’s Role In Viral TreatmentIn Japan, favipiravir is sold under the brand name Avigan by a unit of Fujifilm as an emergency medication for novel or re-emerging flu.The drug works by blocking a key enzyme that many viruses need to multiply.Use of favipiravir in hantavirus would generally be considered experimental or compassionate rather than standard care, and most likely to treat severe infection early on, said Piet Maes, a virologist at the University of Brussels, Reuters News Agency reported.Maes said evidence so far comes only from lab and animal studies, with no strong human trial data showing the drug works against hantavirus. There is no internationally established clinical protocol recommending its routine use for hantavirus.What Is Favipiravir?Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral medication, most notably produced and marketed in India by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals under the brand name FabiFlu. First approved in Japan for severe influenza, it became widely recognized for emergency use in the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 to help rapidly reduce viral load.How Effective Has Favipiravir Been?Favipiravir has remained controversial due to several side effects reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.In 2023, in a rare complication from treatment with the COVID-19 antiviral, the eyes of a six-month-old baby boy from Thailand turned an unusual shade of blue.According to researchers from Chulabhorn Royal Academy in Bangkok, the boy, who suffered fever and cough lasting one day, was diagnosed with COVID infection.In a prior investigation, a higher frequency of uric acid elevation in younger patients treated with favipiravir was observed, which could be linked to decreased urine output.In addition, favipiravir has also been shown to cause fluorescence in human hair and nails. This adverse effect may be due to the drug, its metabolites, or additional tablet components such as titanium dioxide and yellow ferric oxide.

what is favipiravir? covid-era antiviral now used in hantavirus response in uk

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

What Is Favipiravir? COVID-Era Antiviral Now Used In Hantavirus Response In UK

79th World Health Assembly: India Created Over 880 Million Digital Health IDs, Says J P Nadda

How Did The 3rd Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak Begin? Experts Say Delayed Detection Fueled Spread

15 Lakh Indian Chemists To Join May 20 Strike; Govt Says Jan Aushadhi, AMRIT Stores To Stay Open

Health Conditions A-Z

What Is Favipiravir? COVID-Era Antiviral Now Used In Hantavirus Response In UK

79th World Health Assembly: India Created Over 880 Million Digital Health IDs, Says J P Nadda

How Did The 3rd Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak Begin? Experts Say Delayed Detection Fueled Spread