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Antiviral Treatment of

Influenza: The Latest Guidelines

While clinical judgment based on the patient’s disease severity and progression, age, underlying medical conditions, likelihood of influenza, and time since symptom onset is important to consider when making antiviral treatment decisions — the body of evidence available at this time has led CDC to recommend that, for the 2010-2011 influenza season, empiric antiviral treatment with the neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®), be considered for a patient who:

  • Has severe, complicated, or progressive illness;
  • Is hospitalized; or
  • Is at higher risk for influenza complications, including pregnant women and people with certain underlying medical conditions.

When clinically indicated, influenza antiviral medications should be used to treat these most vulnerable patients as soon as possible, ideally (but not limited to) within 48 hours of symptom onset. Treatment should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza. Antiviral treatment can also be considered for any previously healthy, non-high-risk, symptomatic outpatient with confirmed or suspected influenza based upon clinical judgment, if treatment can be initiated within 48 hours of illness onset.

Influenza vaccination is used to prevent influenza infection and prompt antiviral therapy to treat influenza infection; of which are the 2 most important medical countermeasures against the influenza viruses. Their correct application by healthcare professionals can provide life-saving benefits to patients.

For additional information about antiviral drug recommendations for the 2010-2011 influenza season, please visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

For additional information, please visit the Emerging Infections Programs Web site. Thank you.

Sources:

Alicia M. Fry, MD, MPH

Authors and Disclosures

Posted: 01/18/2011

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/734611?src=mp&spon=24

Web Resources

CDC Seasonal Influenza

 

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As a certified Adult Health Nurse Practitioner LIVING IN SHANGHAI, China. I find myself with the added responsibility as well as on honor to provide here on my blog site (https://mooreonhealth.wordpress.com/) valid and quick pieces of information on Health Promotion (HP), Primary Prevention (PP), wellness and patient education for the expat community and public at large.

 

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THIS IS THE THIRD PART OF MY  STD PREVENTION AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.  THE TITLE OF MY CAMPAIGN IS CALLED:

“STD’S THE SLIPPERY SLOPE TO HIV”

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant public health concern in the United States. While estimates of the incidence and prevalence of STDs in the United States vary according to method of data collection and source of the data, the latest estimates of STD incidence indicate that there are 18.9 million new cases each year.

Roughly a third of both male and female high school students reported being sexually active in 2009 (33 and 36 percent, respectively).

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HERE IS YOUR ADOLESCENT
STD’S; SLIPPERY SLOPE TO HIV
ARE YOU CONCERNED….YOU SHOULD BE!