What is the time frame to start antivirals for effectiveness against the flu?
For treatment, influenza antiviral drugs should ideally be started within 2 days after becoming sick and taken according to your doctor's instructions (usually for 5 days).
When should you take medicine for flu?
Sometimes, doctors might prescribe an antiviral medicine for some people who have the flu. This medicine works best if given within the first 2 days of the illness. It can make flu symptoms milder and shorten the illness by a couple of days.
What is the treatment of choice for influenza?
Currently, there are three antiviral drugs recommended for treating the flu: oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), and peramivir (Rapivab®). These drugs work by interrupting the function of neuraminidase on the virus surface and preventing the release of viral particles from infected host cells.
Which agent is most appropriate to initiate for the treatment of influenza?
The influenza antiviral agents amantadine or rimantadine, zanamivir and oseltamivir can modify the severity of illness and reduce the duration of illness by about 1.5–2.5 days.
When Should Tamiflu be taken?
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.
When are antiviral treatments 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.
How long is influenza contagious?
Period of Contagiousness People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
How long does influenza A last?
For most healthy people, the flu is an uncomfortable but short-term illness that resolves itself as the immune system fights it off. Symptoms usually appear from one to four days after exposure to the virus, and they last five to seven days.
How is Covid flu treated?
Generally, you'll need nothing more than bed rest and fluids. You also may consider an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce some of the aches associated with flu. If you are infected with flu, your health care provider may prescribe an antiviral medication.
Can you take Tamiflu after 48 hours?
“Because there is only a short window of time to take Tamiflu so it is effective, it is best to contact your doctor immediately. After 48 hours, it might not be worthwhile to take Tamiflu.”
Should I take Tamiflu if exposed to flu?
For patients taking oseltamivir for the prevention of flu after an exposure: The medicine should be taken within 2 days of being exposed to the flu. This medicine should be taken for at least 10 days. You may take this medicine with meals or on an empty stomach.
Can you take Tamiflu prophylactically?
For people who are hospitalized, Tamiflu can be used to treat the flu, even if they've had symptoms for more than 48 hours. In addition to treating the flu, Tamiflu can also be used for prophylaxis, meaning that it can help prevent you from getting the flu after you've been exposed to someone who has it.
Pathophysiology
Clinical Course
- The symptoms associated with the influenza virus resemble those of bacterial infections and the common cold; the differential diagnosis is an important consideration in caring for patients. Unlike the common cold, influenza symptoms are usually abrupt, with the first signs being a quick-onset fever (100-104°F) and cough.14 The cough is usually dry and severe, causing chest disco…
Treatment of Influenza
- Nonpharmacologic Treatment: Nonpharmacologic recommendations for influenza are bed rest, avoidance of other persons, and hydration. Fluids should be consumed throughout the illness to prevent complications from dehydration. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to relieve fever, headache, and muscle aches. However, some patients may benefit from antiviral treatmen…
Pharmacotherapy Considerations
- Early treatment with the previously mentioned antivirals can shorten the duration of influenza symptoms by 1/2 day to 3 days and may reduce the risk of complications.24 The greatest clinical benefit is seen when antiviral treatment is initiated within 48 hours of illness onset. It is also important to correctly identify patients who meet parameters...
Emergent Situations
- Antiviral therapy may be in short supply during pandemics. If an emerging public-health threat is identified for which no licensed or approved product exists, the Project BioShield Act of 2004 authorizes the FDA Commissioner to issue an Emergency Use Authorization so that appropriate countermeasures can be taken quickly to protect the U.S. population’s safety. However, in certai…
Conclusion
- Despite advances in preventive care, infection with the influenza virus sometimes occurs. In such cases, practitioners must be able to quickly identify patients at high risk for developing complications in order to lessen the morbidity and mortality associated with the influenza virus. Some patients may require chemoprophylaxis to prevent infection. The agents for treatment an…