Addressing Influenza A Viruses

Influenza activity remains high in the US, with increasing proportions of activity attributable to influenza A(H3N2) viruses, according to the CDC.

“Because influenza A(H3N2) viruses may be associated with severe disease in older adults, this health advisory serves as a reminder that early empiric treatment with influenza antiviral medications is recommended for hospitalized and high-risk patients, especially those 65 years and older.”

In response, the CDC has issued a series of recommendations:

• Antiviral treatment should be given to all hospitalized, severely ill, and high-risk patients suspected or confirmed to have influenza.
• Clinical judgement should be used when determining whether to prescribe antivirals in non-high-risk patients with uncomplicated influenza.
• Antiviral treatment should begin as soon as possible following illness onset and should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Influenza Season Continues with an Increase in Influenza A(H3N2) Activity [press release]. March 28, 2019. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00419.asp.