Who does H1N1 affect the most?
People who have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if infected include: Children younger than 5 years old. Adults older than age 65, younger adults, and children under age 19 who are on long-term aspirin therapy. People with compromised immune systems due to diseases such as AIDS.
Who should take antiviral drugs?
Everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every year. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense that can be used to treat flu (including seasonal flu and variant flu viruses) if you get sick.
Who needs prophylactic antiviral therapy against influenza?
Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all residents, including those who have received influenza vaccination. Baloxavir is approved for post-exposure prophylaxis (single-dose) of influenza in persons aged 12 years and older within 48 hours of contact with an individual with influenza.
Why may antivirals not work?
Antivirals drugs work by targeting a specific location or site found on a flu virus. When a flu virus develops changes to the site antiviral drugs use to work, that virus may show reduced or no susceptibility to that antiviral drug. Antiviral drugs may not work as well against viruses with reduced susceptibility.
Do antivirals weaken your 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.
What are the side effects of antiviral drugs?
What are the potential side effects of antivirals?Cough.Dry mouth.Diarrhea.Dizziness.Fatigue.Headaches.Insomnia.Joint pain or muscle pain.More items...•
Which person is least likely to have flu related complications?
Who is most likely to be infected with influenza? The same CID study found that children are most likely to get sick from flu and that people 65 and older are least likely to get sick from influenza.
Who should receive prophylactic Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is used to treat people 2 weeks of age and older who have the flu (influenza A and B viruses). Tamiflu is also sometimes used for prevention (prophylaxis) of the flu in people 1 year of age and older, but it is not a substitute for getting the flu vaccine.
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.
What causes antiviral resistance?
Prolonged antiviral drug exposure and ongoing viral replication due to immunosuppression are key factors in the development of antiviral drug resistance, which may manifest as persistent or increasing viremia or disease despite therapy.
What pathogens antivirals will not be effective against?
For example, antiviral substances fight against viruses and are not effective against bacteria or fungi. Conversely, antibiotics and antifungals will have no effect on viruses. Antivirals work to prevent viral infection, replication, and growth.
Which of the following antivirals does the CDC no longer recommend for flu due to resistance?
Resistance to adamantanes remains high among influenza A viruses currently circulating. Therefore, amantadine and rimantadine are not recommended for antiviral treatment or chemoprophylaxis of currently circulating influenza A virus strains.
Objective
- On September 22, 2009 CDC updated its recommendations for the use of influenza antiviral medicinesto provide additional guidance for clinicians in prescribing antiviral medicines for treatment and prevention (chemoprophylaxis) of influenza during the 2009-2010 flu season. These recommendations are intended to help …
Introduction
Treatment of Confirmed Or Suspected Influenza
Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis of Exposed Individuals
Antiviral Drug Use For Control of Outbreaks in Institutions
Antiviral Prescription and Dispensing Considerations
Adverse Events and Contraindications
For More Information