Influenza: overview on prevention and therapy

Aust Prescr. 2019 Apr;42(2):51-55. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2019.013. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

Abstract

Quadrivalent influenza vaccination is recommended annually for adults and children aged six months to 64 years

High-dose or adjuvanted trivalent vaccines are recommended annually for people 65 years and over

If started early enough, neuraminidase inhibitors reduce symptom duration by approximately one day. Treatment should be considered in patients with severe disease requiring hospitalisation or who are at risk of complications

Chemoprophylaxis is not a substitute for vaccination but can be considered in high-risk individuals with an inadequate or ineffective vaccination status

Keywords: antivirals; chemoprophylaxis; influenza; vaccines.

Publication types

  • Review