Antivirals Flu

But the problem is, these drugs really have to be taken early in the course of the infection to be most effective. By the time many people realize that they have the flu, it may be too late to do much about it - Derek Lowe

Antivirals Flu

image by: Chester County Health Department

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Antiviral Drugs in Influenza

Treating human flu remains a challenge. The anti-influenza drugs available on the market seem to be insufficient in achieving an optimal therapeutic effect. Baloxavir, which is new on the market, exhibits activity against some oseltamivir-resistant strains and does not differ significantly in terms of safety and effectiveness from known drugs used recently for the treatment of influenza. However, its use in a wider group of society than is currently approved requires further research and is highly recommended.

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Antiviral medications safe treatment for influenza

Influenza isn’t the only disease for which antiviral drugs are available. Others include COVID-19, swine flu, hepatitis B and C, Ebola and HIV. However, it’s important to understand that antiviral drugs are not interchangeable. Each medication is specific to one type of virus.

Comparison of Antiviral Agents for Seasonal Influenza Outcomes in Healthy Adults and Children

The findings of this network meta-analysis suggest that the examined antiviral agents assessed were associated with shortening TTAS; zanamivir was associated with the lowest TTAS, and baloxavir was associated with the lowest rate of influenza-related complications.

FDA approves Xofluza for treatment of influenza in children 5 years and older

The FDA approval is supported by data from 2 phase 3 studies. The first, miniSTONE-2, compared Xofluza with oseltamivir in children with influenza who were otherwise healthy. The second, BLOCKSTONE compared Xofluza with a placebo for both children and adults living with a family member who had influenza. Xofluza is already used in individuals aged 12 years and over to prevent influenza after contact with someone who has contracted the disease. It is also used for individuals of this age range who are otherwise healthy and have experienced symptoms for less than 48 hours.