Influenza medical therapy: Difference between revisions
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==Medical Therapy== | ==Medical Therapy== | ||
===Antiviral Medications=== | |||
*Antiviral medications with activity against influenza viruses are an important adjunct to influenza vaccine in the control of influenza. | |||
*Influenza antiviral prescription drugs can be used to treat influenza or to prevent influenza. | |||
* Four licensed prescription influenza antiviral agents are available in the United States. | |||
* Two FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications are recommended for use in the United States during the 2013-2014 influenza season: | |||
:*Oral oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) | |||
:*Inhaled zanamivir (Relenza®) | |||
*Oseltamivir and zanamivir are chemically related antiviral medications known as neuraminidase inhibitors that have activity against both influenza A and B viruses. | |||
*Amantadine and rimantadine are antiviral drugs in a class of medications known as adamantanes. | |||
*Amantadines are active against influenza A viruses, but not influenza B viruses. | |||
*As in recent past seasons, there is a high prevalence (>99%) of influenza A(H3N2) and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (2009 H1N1) viruses resistant to adamantanes. | |||
*Therefore, amantadine and rimantadine are not recommended for antiviral treatment or chemoprophylaxis of currently circulating influenza A viruses. | |||
*Antiviral resistance to oseltamivir and zanamivir among circulating influenza viruses is currently low, but this might change. | |||
*Also, antiviral resistance can emerge during or after treatment in certain patients, such as immunosuppressed individuals. | |||
===Antiviral Medications Recommended for Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis of Influenza <Small><small><small> Adapted from CDC <ref name="CDC Antivirals"> {{cite web| url=http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm| title=CDC Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians}}</ref></Small></small></small>=== | |||
===Symptomatic Therapy=== | ===Symptomatic Therapy=== |
Revision as of 15:09, 24 October 2014
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [2]
Overview
Medical Therapy
Antiviral Medications
- Antiviral medications with activity against influenza viruses are an important adjunct to influenza vaccine in the control of influenza.
- Influenza antiviral prescription drugs can be used to treat influenza or to prevent influenza.
- Four licensed prescription influenza antiviral agents are available in the United States.
- Two FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications are recommended for use in the United States during the 2013-2014 influenza season:
- Oral oseltamivir (Tamiflu®)
- Inhaled zanamivir (Relenza®)
- Oseltamivir and zanamivir are chemically related antiviral medications known as neuraminidase inhibitors that have activity against both influenza A and B viruses.
- Amantadine and rimantadine are antiviral drugs in a class of medications known as adamantanes.
- Amantadines are active against influenza A viruses, but not influenza B viruses.
- As in recent past seasons, there is a high prevalence (>99%) of influenza A(H3N2) and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (2009 H1N1) viruses resistant to adamantanes.
- Therefore, amantadine and rimantadine are not recommended for antiviral treatment or chemoprophylaxis of currently circulating influenza A viruses.
- Antiviral resistance to oseltamivir and zanamivir among circulating influenza viruses is currently low, but this might change.
- Also, antiviral resistance can emerge during or after treatment in certain patients, such as immunosuppressed individuals.
Antiviral Medications Recommended for Treatment and Chemoprophylaxis of Influenza Adapted from CDC [1]
Symptomatic Therapy
Over the counter (OTC) medicines may be taken to relieve influenza symptoms, but they do not affect the virus. [2]
Symptom(s) | OTC Medicine |
---|---|
Fever, Aches, Pains, Sinus pressure, Sore throat | Analgesics |
Nasal congestion, Sinus pressure | Decongestants |
Sinus pressure, Runny nose, Watery eyes, Cough | Antihistamines |
Cough | Cough suppressant |
Sore throat | Local anesthetics |
Children and teenagers with flu symptoms (particularly fever) should avoid taking aspirin as taking aspirin in the presence of influenza infection (especially Influenzavirus B) can lead to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease of the liver.[3]
Unconventional treatment
Homeopathic and other cold and flu remedies that fail to meet the regulatory requirements as drugs that treat disease, or the standards of evidence-based medicine, are sold as nutritional supplements.
They may be based on extracts of living things, but may lack documentation of their safety and effectiveness.
References
- ↑ "Cold and Flu Guidelines: Influenza". American Lung Association. Retrieved 2007-09-16.
- ↑ Molotsky, Irvin (1986-02-15). "Consumer Saturday - Warning on Flu and Aspirin". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-05-25.