Antivirals for Influenza

Antiviral guidance summary can be found HERE

  • All patients admitted to hospital with influenza are regarded as 'complicated' and should be commenced on antiviral ASAP
  • Antiviral prophylaxis should be offered to all hospitalised patients exposed to symptomatic influenza cases e.g. bay contact
  • Patients with influenza who have completed 5 days of antiviral treatment no longer require isolation & enhanced infection control precautions

 

At-risk groups eligible for antiviral treatment for uncomplicated influenza when admission not required:

  • Neurological, hepatic, renal, pulmonary and chronic cardiac disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Severe immunosuppression
  • Age over 65 years
  • Pregnancy (including up to 2 weeks post-partum)
  • Children under 6 months of age
  • Morbid obesity (BMI ≥40)

(adapted from UKHSA Guidance on use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal influenza Version 11, November 2021)