Health authorities in the United States are sounding the alarm as influenza cases witness a significant surge during the ongoing holiday season. In response, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a strong recommendation for the use of antiviral medications for patients who are either suspected or confirmed to have the flu.
Priority Groups for Antiviral Treatment
The CDC has identified specific high-risk groups that should be prioritised for antiviral drug treatment. This includes any patient with suspected or confirmed influenza who is hospitalised, has a severe, complicated, or progressive illness, or is at a higher risk for influenza complications. The agency emphasises that empiric antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible for these individuals, without waiting for lab confirmation in many cases.
Recommended Antiviral Drug Options
The CDC has outlined several antiviral drug options for both treatment and prevention (chemoprophylaxis). The choice depends on the patient's age and any existing contraindications.
Oral Oseltamivir: This is approved for treatment in patients of any age. For prevention, it is recommended for individuals aged 3 months and older.
Inhaled Zanamivir: Recommended as a treatment option for those over 7 years of age.
Intravenous Peramivir: This is a treatment option for patients above 6 months old.
Oral Baloxavir: Recommended for patients aged 5 years and above.
Standard Treatment Courses
For uncomplicated influenza, the standard treatment regimen varies by drug. The recommended course is two doses per day of oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir for five days. Alternatively, a single dose of intravenous peramivir or oral baloxavir is administered for one day.
The CDC also clarified a crucial point for public awareness. It noted that while influenza vaccination remains the best preventive measure, a history of having taken the flu shot does not completely rule out the possibility of an influenza virus infection in a person showing compatible clinical signs and symptoms. This underscores the importance of seeking medical advice and potential antiviral treatment even for vaccinated individuals who fall ill.
