THE former head of immunology at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital has expressed doubts over the safety and effectiveness of Tamiflu, the drug being used to combat swine flu in the UK.

Retired scientist Brian Young, 71, of Mudeford, says the drug offers about a 20 per cent reduction in the severity and duration of the illness, but suggests it could also speed up the flu virus’s ability to mutate.

Mr Young said Japan has so far prescribed 60 per cent of the world’s supply of Tamiflu and warned it could cause irrational behaviour in young people.

By 2007, a total of 54 deaths in Japan had been attributed to the drug’s side-effects, of which 18 were in the 10- to 19-year-old age group.

One 14-year-old fell to his death from an 11th floor balcony after taking two tablets, while a 17-year-old walked out in front of a truck in a blizzard in his pyjamas.

Both Europe and the US posted warnings about the drug in 2006. The US detailed 103 cases of self-injury and delirium in flu patients, mostly from Japan, but said these events could not be directly related to the drug.

Mr Young, who completed an Open University course in human nutrition 18 months ago, said recent research had shown that some saturated fats are strongly antiviral. He says the most effective and plentiful source is coconut oil, which can boost the immune system and have no side-effects.

“Rural communities in places like Indonesia and Thailand rely on up to 60 per cent of their daily energy requirements from coconuts. Young children play in murky canals and infested river waters remaining apparently happy, healthy and free of infection,” he said.

“I can’t say people shouldn’t take Tamiflu. Maybe people should be less scared about getting swine flu, particularly if there is the smallest possibility that Tamiflu treatment could have such serious consequences.”

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: “Antivirals are offered to people who are diagnosed with swine flu, and it is particularly important that those who belong to at risk groups start taking them as soon as possible.

“These include people with the long-term conditions that place them at higher risk for seasonal flu or compromised immune systems, those who are over 65, young children under five and pregnant women.

“Both Relenza and Tamiflu are licensed products, which means that they have been through the regulatory process of safety and efficacy before they get their marketing authorisation.

“There are known side-effects, such as nausea, in a small number of cases. Symptoms may lessen over the course of the treatment, and it may help to take Tamiflu either with or immediately after food,” the spokesperson added.

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