Most healthy persons who develop an illness consistent with
influenza, or persons who appear to be recovering from
influenza, do not need antiviral medications for treatment or
prophylaxis. However, persons presenting with suspected
influenza and more severe symptoms such as evidence of lower
respiratory tract infection or clinical deterioration should
receive prompt empiric antiviral therapy, regardless of previous
health or age.
Treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir is recommended for
all persons with suspected or confirmed influenza requiring
hospitalization.
Early empiric treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir should
be considered for persons with suspected or confirmed influenza
who are at higher risk for complications including:
- Children younger than 2 years old;
- Persons aged 65 years or older
- Pregnant women
- Persons of any age with certain chronic
medical or immunosuppressive conditions and,
- Persons younger than 19 years of age who are
receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
Children 2 year to 4 years old are more likely to require
hospitalization or urgent medical evaluation for influenza
compared with older children, although the risk is much lower
than for children younger than 2 years old. Children aged 2
years to 4 years without high risk conditions and with mild
illness do not necessarily require antiviral treatment.