CDC Bulletin, Antiviral Treatment Updates and Emergency Preparedness

CDC Bulletin, Antiviral Treatment Updates and Emergency Preparedness

The CDC has outlined several Emergency Preparedness recommendations and background on dealing with this intense influenza season.

In the United States (U.S.), influenza activity has increased significantly over recent weeks with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating so far this season. In the past, A(H3N2) virus-predominant influenza seasons have been associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in persons aged 65 years and older and young children compared to other age groups. In addition, influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in general has been lower against A(H3N2) viruses than against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or influenza B viruses. Last season, VE against circulating influenza A(H3N2) viruses was estimated to be 32% in the U.S. CDC expects that VE could be similar this season, should the same A(H3N2) viruses continue to predominate. For this reason, in addition to influenza vaccination for prevention of influenza, the use of antiviral medications for treatment of influenza becomes even more important than usual. The neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) antiviral medications are most effective in treating influenza and reducing complications when treatment is started early. Evidence from previous influenza seasons suggests that NAI antivirals are underutilized in outpatients and hospitalized patients with influenza who are recommended for treatment.

Some recommendations from the CDC for preparedness include:

  1. All Hospitalized, Severely Ill, and High-Risk Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Influenza Should Be Treated with Antivirals
  2. Timing of Treatment and Implications for Patient Evaluation, Treatment, and Testing
  3. Administer Influenza Testing
  4. Antivirals in Non-High Risk Patients with Uncomplicated Influenza
  5. Antiviral Medications

Click Here for – Overall Emergency Preparedness information from the CDC.