H1N1 Treatment (Antiviral Drugs)

H1N1 is described as "swine flu" and is a new influenza virus. The illness is treated by antivirals. During the 2009-2010 flu season antivirals are going to be used to treat as well as prevent (chemoprophylaxis) of influenza. These prescription drugs decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce, which can make the body recover faster and help to prevent serious complications. Antivirals are being prescribed to those with serious conditions including those being hospitalized and those who are more likely to suffer from influenza related-complications. Clinicians are told to prescribe antivirals only to those with the greatest risk. This will limit antiviral resistance, which is a growing worry. Those with confirmed illness, children younger than 2 years, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions will be given precedence to the drugs. However, most individuals with the illness will recover without the use of drugs. Pre-exposure is recommended for health care and public health workers and those working under H1N1 outbreak conditions. Those found to have influenza are give the antivirals oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). Treament is most effective if given within 48 hours of onset, yet improvement has been seen in cases when the treatment starts later than 48 hours. The duration is usually 5 days, but can be longer. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/antiviral.htm