Antiviral medications can reduce flu symptoms and prevent serious complications in influenza patients. They could even be life-saving if provided promptly. “They work, but they aren’t being used nearly enough,” Dr. Frieden, MD, said during a press call Friday. “Antiviral flu medications are greatly underutilized but they could keep [patients] out of the hospital,” he emphasized.
Antiviral medications work best if given quickly after a patient exhibits symptoms, and Dr. Frieden even urged providers not to wait for a positive flu test before prescribing antivirals. “It’s not necessary to get the test done before you treat the patient,” he said, as that can delay care and reduce the benefit of the treatment.
Manufacturers of the antiviral medications say they have sufficient supply to meet the projected demand, according to Dr. Frieden, but he did note there may be some “spot shortages” of the product in different areas of the country or at different pharmacies. He warned that providers may have to call around to a few different pharmacies to find one with antivirals in stock.
The CDC released an updated report, “Influenza Antiviral Medications: A Summary for Clinicians” on Friday as well.
More articles on influenza:
IU Health hospital stops elective surgeries due to flu
How flu season affects health plan medical costs
FDA grants waiver for 15-minute flu test
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