Drug Prevents Spread of Flu in Families

An inhaled prescription drug that is to be introduced this week is nearly 80% effective in keeping family members from getting the flu when a relative brings it home, according to a new study. The medicine, called Relenza, is a powder spray inhaled through the mouth. It had already been shown to reduce the duration of a bout of flu by a day or two. The study shows it also cuts by 79% the chances of catching the flu from a household member. The drug is the first of a new class of anti-viral medicines that are effective against both major strains of the disease, known as influenza A and B.