When to Give Antiviral Drugs for the Flu

Evidence from past influenza seasons and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic has shown that treatment with antiviral medications can have clinical and public health benefit in reducing severe outcomes of influenza when initiated soon after illness onset. Clinical trials and observational data show that early antiviral treatment may:

• Shorten the duration of fever and illness symptoms;

• Reduce the risk for complications and death; and

• Shorten the duration of hospitalization.

Clinical benefit is greatest when antiviral treatment is initiated early. When indicated, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible after illness onset -- ideally, within 48 hours of symptom onset. However, observational studies show that antiviral treatment might still be beneficial in patients with severe, complicated, or progressive illness, and in hospitalized patients when started even later than 48 hours after illness onset.

In summary, antiviral treatment is recommended as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who:

• Is hospitalized;

• Has severe, complicated, or progressive illness; or

• Is at higher risk for influenza complications.

Persons at higher risk for influenza complications in whom antiviral treatment is recommended include children younger than 2 years of age, adults aged 65 and older, persons with certain medical conditions, pregnant or postpartum women, American Indians and Alaskan Natives, and residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

Decisions about starting antiviral treatment should not wait for test results or laboratory confirmation of influenza. When there is clinical suspicion of influenza and antiviral treatment is indicated, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible, along with use of appropriate infection control measures.

via When to Give Antiviral Drugs for the Flu.