Authors' objectives:

To provide guidance on the use of zanamivir, oseltamivir and amantadine for the treatment of influenza.

Authors' recommendations: Guidance: This guidance has been prepared in the expectation that vaccination against influenza is undertaken in accordance with national guidelines. Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing illness from influenza, and the drugs described in this guidance are not a substitute for vaccination. This guidance does not cover the circumstances of a pandemic, impending pandemic or a widespread epidemic of a new strain of influenza to which there is little or no community resistance. This guidance pertains only to circumstances where it is known that either influenza A or influenza B is circulating in the community (see 1.6). 1.1 Zanamivir and oseltamivir are not recommended for the treatment of influenza in children or adults unless they are considered to be at risk. 1.2 At-risk adults and children are defined for the purpose of this guidance as those who are in at least one of the following groups. People who: - have chronic respiratory disease (including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) - have significant cardiovascular disease (excluding people with hypertension only) - have chronic renal disease - are immunocompromised - have diabetes mellitus - are aged 65 years or older. 1.3 Amantadine is not recommended for the treatment of influenza. 1.4 Within their licensed indications, zanamivir and oseltamivir are recommended for the treatment of at-risk adults who present with influenza-like illness (ILI) and who can start therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. 1.5 Within its licensed indications, oseltamivir is recommended for the treatment of at-risk children who present with ILI and who can start therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. 1.6 Community-based virological surveillance schemes should be used to indicate when influenza virus is circulating in the community. Community-based virological surveillance schemes, such as those organised by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Public Health Laboratory Service, should be used to indicate when influenza virus is circulating in the community. Such schemes should ensure that the onset of the circulation of influenza virus (A or B) within a defined area is identified as rapidly as possible.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/cat.asp?c=58055

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: National Institute for Clinical Excellence

Contact Address: MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA, UK. Tel: +44 020 7067 5800; Fax: +44 020 7067 5801

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)