Antivirals for Influenza: Postexposure Prophylaxis and Management of Severe Disease

Network meta-analyses indicate that antivirals (given as PEP) may reduce risk for symptomatic influenza and (given as treatment) might shorten hospital stays in those with severe disease.

Available influenza antivirals include neuraminidase inhibitors (NI; e.g., oseltamivir), cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors (baloxavir), and protein M2 ion-channel inhibitors (amantadine); updated WHO guidelines address clinical management of influenza. To elucidate the effectiveness of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for influenza, Zhao and colleagues conducted a network meta-analysis encompassing 33 randomized trials (19,096 participants; mean age, 6.8–81.1 years). PEP yielded a reduction in symptomatic influenza (risk ratio [RR], 0.35–0.43) among persons at risk for influenza complications, as well as influenza incidence regardless of symptoms (RR, 0.46–0.58). Baseline mortality was <1%, and antivirals had no effect on all-cause mortal…

Reviewing Author

Hana M. El Sahly, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Hana M. El Sahly, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Antivirals for Influenza: Postexposure Prophylaxis and Management of Severe Disease

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Reviewing Author