Influenza Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Recent Innovations in Antiviral Therapy and Relevance to Primary Care Practice

Abstract

Seasonal influenza requires appropriate management to protect public health and resources. Decreasing the burden of influenza will depend primarily on increasing vaccination rates as well as prompt initiation of antiviral therapy within 48 hours of symptom onset, especially in the context of the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A careful approach is required to prevent health services from being overwhelmed by a surge in demand that could exceed capacity. This review highlights the societal burden of influenza and discusses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of influenza as a complicating addition to the challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The importance of vaccination for seasonal influenza and the role of antiviral therapy in the treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal influenza, including the most up-to-date recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for influenza management, will also be reviewed.

Keywords: CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; RIDT, rapid influenza diagnostic test; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.