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A recent study, however, revealed only 19 percent of high-risk out- patients who would benefit from antiviral treatment actually received an antiviral medication. Additional evidence from previous and current flu seasons further suggest antiviral medications are severely underused.
CDC Recommends Antiviral Use
According to the CDC, influenza antiviral prescription drugs can be used to treat or prevent influenza. Three influenza antiviral medications approved by the FDA were recom- mended for use during the 2014–2015 influenza season: oral oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), inhaled zanamivir (Relenza®), and intravenous pera- mivir (Rapivab®). These drugs are chemically related antiviral medi- cations known as neuraminidase inhibitors that have activity against both influenza A and B viruses.
CDC further recommends antiviral treatment should begin regardless of a patient’s vaccination status and without waiting for confirmation
of influenza via tests. While anti- viral medications work best when administered early, therapeutic benefit has been observed even when treatment is initiated later for some patients. 3
Reports from the CDC showed flu activity in the U.S. began to increase in mid-November, remained elevated through February 21, and was expected to remain high for several weeks due to an early start of the 2014–2015 flu season. 4
For additional information on influ- enza, including CDC guidance for antiviral medications and reviews of the 2014–2015 flu season, please go to cdc.gov/flu.
Sources:
1 World Health Organization, Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2015-2016 Northern Hemisphere influenza season, February 25, 2015, accessed March 2015 at who.int 2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration Webcast, Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting, March 4, 2015, accessed at https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1051814 3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prompt Use of Antivirals is Key this Flu Season, updated January 23, 2015, accessed March 2015 at cdc.gov
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Flu Season Continues; Severe for People 65 and Older, updated February 6, 2015, accessed March 2015 at cdc.gov
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Antiviral prescription drugs can be used to treat or prevent influenza and should begin for high-risk patients regardless of a patient’s vaccination status and without waiting for confirmation of influenza via tests.
- CDC