CDC Recommends Antivirals in High-Risk Flu Patients, Even Before Test Results in

By Kelly Young

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD, and André Sofair, MD, MPH

High-risk patients suspected of having influenza should be given neuraminidase inhibitors before confirmatory test results are in, the CDC reiterated to healthcare providers on Friday. This includes patients who are hospitalized; have severe, complicated, or progressive illness; or have other high-risk factors, like being younger than 2 years or older than 64, living in a chronic care facility, or being pregnant.

The agency said that the antivirals oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab) are being underused. Regional shortages of antivirals have been reported, but there is no overall shortage.

Officials are stressing antiviral use in the face of a heavy influenza season. In addition, this year's vaccine is not well matched to the H3N2 strain, which is predominant. At least two-thirds of the H3N2 strains tested have drifted from what's included in the vaccine. Officials expect new data within a week on exactly how well the vaccine is protecting people.