Association of Oseltamivir Treatment With Virus Shedding, Illness, and Household Transmission of Influenza Viruses

Abstract

In an observational study of 582 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infections and their household contacts, we found that the initiation of oseltamivir within 24 hours was associated with shorter duration of self-reported illness symptoms (56% reduction in duration; 95% confidence interval, 41%-67%). However, we did not find any association of oseltamivir treatment with duration of viral shedding by polymerase chain reaction or with the risk of household transmission.

Keywords: acute respiratory illness; influenza; oseltamivir.