Antiviral treatment. The CDC recommends antiviral treatment for anyone with suspected or confirmed influenza who has progressive, severe, or complicated illness or is hospitalized for their illness.5 Treatment is also recommended for outpatients with suspected or confirmed influenza who are at higher risk for influenza complications. This latter group includes those in TABLE 1, particularly children 6 to 59 months and adults ≥50 years. Start antiviral treatment within 48 hours of the first symptoms. For hospitalized patients, however, begin treatment at any point regardless of duration of illness.
Infection control practices can prevent the spread of influenza in the health care setting and in the homes of those with influenza. These practices are also described on the CDC influenza Web site.6