Symptoms
Causes
Prevention
Complications
Can influenza be treated with antivirals?
FDA Approved Drugs for Influenza The antiviral drugs have been approved for treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza and for some preventive uses. There are four FDA-approved influenza antiviral drugs recommended by CDC for use against recently circulating influenza viruses.
Is Tamiflu effective after 48 hours?
Most studies suggest that oseltamivir is most effective if initiated <48 hours after illness onset; early treatment mitigates severity and reduces illness duration by 1–3 days [1–5]. Drug delivery logistics will be challenging during a pandemic; initiating treatment <48 hours may not be possible.
Can you take Tamiflu after 4 days of symptoms?
Tamiflu is good at its job, but it's best when you take it at the optimal time: within 48 hours of your first flu symptoms. Some healthcare providers won't prescribe Tamiflu if you've had symptoms for longer than 48 hours since it won't be as helpful in those cases.
What is the recommendation for prescribing an antiviral medication against influenza?
You have the flu and are 65 years or older, pregnant, or have given birth in the past two weeks. Children with the flu who are age 2 or younger should also receive an antiviral. Groups at higher risk include people with chronic diseases such as asthma or lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems.
Can you take Tamiflu after 3 days of symptoms?
For patients taking oseltamivir for the treatment of flu: This medicine works best if taken within 2 days of having flu symptoms (e.g., weakness, headache, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat).
How quickly do you need Tamiflu?
Take this medication as soon as flu symptoms appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of either of these events. If you have the flu, take oseltamivir as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day for 5 days.
How does the flu turn into pneumonia?
Although the body would usually be able to fight the buildup away, influenza changes that. With a weakened immune system, your body may not be able to get over the foreign bacteria and viruses. This is how those with influenza can easily turn their flu into something much worse — pneumonia.
How long are you contagious with the flu after taking Tamiflu?
The same rules apply even if you have taken a flu antiviral drug like Tamiflu. Stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours without the help of a fever-reducing medication.
When is Tamiflu contraindicated?
Known allergies or hypersensitivities to oseltamivir or any component of the formulation is a contraindication. Commercially available oral suspension of oseltamivir contains sorbitol, saccharin sodium, and hence, should be used cautiously in patients with hereditary fructose intolerance.
Do antivirals weaken immune system?
The inhibitory effects of antivirals on immune cells may contribute to the immune deterioration observed in patients following prolonged use of the drugs.
When Are antivirals most effective?
The benefits of antiviral treatment are likely to be greatest if treatment is started as soon as possible after illness onset, and evidence for benefit is strongest in studies in which treatment was started within 48 hours of illness onset.
Do you need antiviral for flu?
Antiviral drugs are recommended for both treatment and prevention of flu. Antiviral drugs work best when taken within 48 hours of onset of flu symptoms, but they may still offer benefits when taken later. These medications may reduce the duration of flu by one to two days and prevent severe flu complications.
Treatment Efficacy and Effectiveness Studies
Treatment Indications
Postexposure Chemoprophylaxis Effectiveness
Postexposure Chemoprophylaxis Indications
Duration of Chemoprophylaxis
Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Institutions
Selected References