With flu cases surging during the holiday season, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended antiviral treatment for patients suspected or confirmed influenza. Antiviral drug options recommended by CDC include oral oseltamivir, inhaled zanamivir, intravenous peramivir, or oral baloxavir, depending upon approved age groups and contraindications.
Priority groups for antiviral treatment
As per CDC, the priority groups for antiviral drug treatment include patient with suspected or confirmed influenza who:
- is hospitalized
- has severe, complicated, or progressive illness
- is at higher risk for influenza complications
CDC also recommends starting empiric antiviral treatment as soon as possible. Also read: Dense fog in Delhi NCR: What it means for health and how to stay safe
Antiviral drugs recommended for treatment and chemoprophylaxis
Oral Oseltamivir – For treatment, can be given to patients of any age, and for prevention, recommended for those over 3 months and older. Inhaled Zanamivir- Recommended as a treatment option for those over 7 years Intravenous Peramivir- Recommended as a treatment option for patients above 6 months old Oral Baloxavir- Recommended for patients above 5 yearsThe recommended treatment course for uncomplicated influenza is two doses per day of oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir for five days, or one dose of intravenous peramivir or oral baloxavir for one day.The CDC also notes that while influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza illness, a history of influenza vaccination does not rule out the possibility of influenza virus infection in an ill patient with clinical signs and symptoms compatible with influenza.
