Influenza Treatment

Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Forth Valley
NHS Forth Valley

Further information including severity definitions and child/adult antiviral dosing available from:

NHS FV Acute Hospital 'Antivirals for Influenza' guidance

 

Annual vaccination is essential for all those at risk of influenza.

Antiviral treatment is not routinely required for otherwise healthy non-pregnant patients with non-severe illness. 

Treat ‘At-risk’ patients (below) when influenza is circulating in the community and ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset (do not wait for lab report) or in a care home where influenza is likely.

At-risk groups eligible for antiviral treatment:

  • Age over 65 years or under 6 months

  • Pregnancy (including up to 2 weeks post-partum)

  • Morbid obesity (BMI ≥40)

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Chronic neurological, hepatic, renal, pulmonary and cardiac disease

  • Potential immunosuppression

 

Post-exposure prophylaxis guidance:

NICE CKS Post-exposure prophylaxis scenario