CDC Issues Health Advisory on Influenza Antiviral Use

VHCA (3/7/2008)

On February 29, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory to re-emphasize the importance of considering antiviral medications for use in the treatment or prevention of influenza. The two prescription antiviral medications recommended for treatment or prevention of influenza are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Recent studies suggest a considerable protective effect against complications associated with influenza when these antivirals are used for treatment, including reducing the risk of death among older adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza. Because high levels of resistance to adamantane antiviral medications (rimantadine and amantadine) continue to be observed among circulating influenza A viruses, adamantanes are not recommended for treatment or prevention of influenza. For more information, please visit the CDC website.