Clinical Tip No.12: Treat Influenza with Antivirals

🛑 THE PROBLEM
Many high-risk patients with influenza do not receive antiviral treatment in time.

📚 THE BACKGROUND
While influenza is typically a self-limiting illness in young and healthy individuals, certain groups face a much higher risk of severe or even life-threatening complications. These include:
• Children under 5
• Adults over 65
• Patients with chronic conditions (heart disease, kidney disease,lung disease, liver disease, immunocompromised…)

Early treatment with antivirals, most commonly oseltamivir, can significantly reduce the risk of complications (pneumonia, respiratory failure, death), but it needs to be started as early as possible, ideally within the first 48 hours.

✅ THE MESSAGE
If your patient with suspected influenza is at high risk due to age or comorbidities, start treatment with oseltamivir immediately.
It is a safe and well-tolerated drug, and when given early, it is quite effective.

Do not wait for lab confirmation of influenza.
Time is critical. Start treatment as soon as you suspect the infection, preferably within 48 hours of symptom onset.