Neuraminidase inhibitors are effective against all variants that have caused disease in humans, including the virus of the 1918 pandemic (Tumpey 2005). In human H5N1 influenza, treatment with an oral neuraminidase inhibitor, oseltamivir, seems to be effective in some cases, but may fail in others.
A: An equity-indexed annuity is an alternative investment to a traditional fixed rate or variable rate annuity, and it may be appealing to moderately conservative investors. Equity-indexed annuities are distinguished by the interest yield return being partially based on an equities index, such as the S&P 500 index.
A fixed index annuity is governed by a rate floor and a rate cap making them a safer alternative to a variable annuity. The index annuity rate floor ensures that no matter how poorly a stock index performs in a given year, you will not see a negative return. The rate cap allows insurance companies to offer this type of guarantee. The annual return on your annuity is capped, usually between 3 and 7 percent a year. The caps can be adjusted by the issuing insurance company each year. Currently, a number of index annuity companies in our list (see above) offer you a premium bonus of up to 10 percent, when you sign up. This bonus immediately increases your initial account value. Index annuities charge surrender fees if you withdrawal the money early.