| News Details |
| Underused antivirals responsible for flu deaths: DAK | | 
Srinagar, October 6 (Scoop News)-Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today said that underused antivirals against influenza is responsible for severe outcomes such as hospitalizations and deaths among flu stricken patients.
President DAK and H1N1 expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said that underutilized flu antivirals is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in patients with influenza illness.
Clinicians underprescribe flu antivirals despite their proven benefit on reducing the severity and duration of illness.
According to a study led by CDC, far too few influenza patients are getting antiviral treatment and too many receive needless and unnecessary antibiotics.
Antivirals play an important role in the prevention and treatment of influenza in immunized and unimmunized persons.
There are three FDA-approved antivirals recommended by CDC this season , oseltamivir, zanamivir and peramivir for persons with influenza caused by H1N1, H3N2, influenza B or when influenza virus type or subtype is unknown.
Clinical trials and observational data show that early antiviral treatment especially within 48 hours of influenza illness onset shortens the duration of illness, reduce the risk of complications and prevents deaths.
Antivirals are recommended for any patient confirmed or suspected influenza who has severe illness or is at risk of influenza complications and can be considered for any previously healthy symptomatic outpatient.
In the context of drifted flu viruses with less effective vaccine, treatment with antiviral drugs is even more important than usual.
We are failing our patients by not prescribing antiviral therapy to patients with flu and more needs to be done to educate clinicians on the benefits of antiviral drugs.
... |
| |
|
|
Share this Story |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|