The approximate midpoint of the 2014-2015 flu season has been reached, disease remains widespread, and antiviral flu medications remain underutilized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As predicted, this season is proving particularly severe due to the predominance of antigenically drifted H3N2 virus strains, and the CDC is urging clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for flu and to prescribe antivirals earlier and more aggressively for patients presenting with flulike illness – especially young children, those over age 65 years, and those with underlying conditions, even if their symptoms are mild, CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden said during a press briefing.
A health advisory on the topic was issued Jan. 9, he noted.
“The CDC has recommended the use of antiviral drugs as an adjunct to vaccination. They are the only medicines that can specifically treat influenza illness, and in the context of an H3N2 predominant season with a less effective vaccine, treatment with antiflu drugs is even more important than usual,” he said, referring to the two neuraminidase inhibitors currently approved for treating influenza: oseltamivir and zanamivir.
About two-thirds of the H3N2 viruses analyzed this season are different from the H3N2 virus included in this year’s vaccine, which is why the vaccine is expected to have reduced effectiveness, he explained.
This makes early antiviral treatment all the more important, he added, noting that treatment within 2 days of symptom onset is optimal, but later treatment can also offer benefit.
“CDC scientists have looked very carefully at the use of influenza drugs in the clinical setting, and the conclusion is clear: They work, but they aren’t being used nearly enough. They can reduce symptoms, shorten duration of illness, and prevent serious complications,” he said.
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