The development of drug resistant influenza is not surprising as both bacteria and viruses can mutate after very little exposure to drug treatments.

“We have a limited number of drugs available for treating influenza and these findings provide additional urgency to efforts to develop antivirals that attack influenza virus in novel ways,” he said in a statement.

The 2009 swine flu epidemic was believed to have originated in Mexico and spread throughout the United States in the rest of the world in a matter of just a few weeks. Millions became ill, many undiagnosed, and thousands died as a result of catching the lethal influenza virus.

There is a remaining concern that the H1N1 swine flu virus may reemerge this year, appearing with a new and potentially lethal drug resistance. Doctors world wide along with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, are closely monitoring the situation. The swine flu virus spreads much like other influenza viruses and will often mimic the most common symptoms.

Emergency personnel and workers in services considered essential for the proper functioning of society (firefighters, police, ambulance and bus drivers) are also encouraged to to get vaccinated first. Those who are most at risk of experiencing complications will be vaccinated later.

Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system are also considered “priority.”

In all provinces,  public health anchorites  must deal with the same problem, the shortage of vaccine doses.

In Quebec, only 400 000 doses will be administered this week. In Ontario, that number climbs to 722 000. The federal government plans to send 3 million doses per week to the provinces.

H1N1 Vaccination Begins Across Canada