Antiviral (neuraminidase inhibitors) in 'Flu

Flow diagram Use of Antivirals in Influenza

Recommendations for the treatment of influenza in at-risk groups when influenza A or B virus is known to be circulating in the community.

NICE has recommended (February 2003) that

Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for vaccination
When influenza A or influenza B virus is circulating in the community:
- Amantadine is not recommended for the treatment of influenza;
- Oseltamivir or zanamivir are not recommended for the treatment of otherwise healthy individuals under 65 years with influenza even if they have contact with people with flu-like symptoms
- Oseltamivir and zanamivir are recommended (in accordance with product licensing) to treat at-risk adults who can start treatment within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms
- Oseltamivir is recommended for at-risk children who can start treatment within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms

At-risk patients are defined as those:

Aged 65 years and over or those who have one or more of
Chronic respiratory disease (including COPD and asthma)
Significant cardiovascular disease (excluding people with hypertension only)
Chronic renal disease
Immunosuppression
Diabetes mellitus.

For dosage and more details, please see the print version

If a household or other close contact of an “at risk” person presents with symptoms of influenza, the “at-risk” individual should be informed of the increased risk of getting influenza. They should be asked to consult their GP as soon as possible if they develop symptoms consistent with influenza, to facilitate early initiation of antiviral therapy.

Antiviral (neuraminidase inhibitors) in 'Flu

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