Zanamivir

• If you test positive for COVID and you’re eligible for antivirals, you’ll likely ask your GP for a script to protect you from severe disease.
• So when should you make the effort to see a GP for a prescription for influenza antivirals?

What exactly is influenza?

The flu is primarily a viral infection of the respiratory system that can spread through sneezing, coughing, or touching contaminated objects then touching your nose or mouth. Common symptoms include headache, sore throat, fever, runny or blocked nose and body aches that last a week or more. Influenza is actually a group of viruses, divided into several sub-groups. Flu A and B are the most common groups that circulate in humans.

What are flu antivirals?

• Most flu antivirals target neuraminidase, an important enzyme the virus uses to release itself from cells.
• On the other hand, COVID antivirals work by inhibiting other parts of the viral life cycle involved in the virus replicating itself.
• Read more:
  Should I get a flu vaccine this year?

How effective are antivirals for the flu?

• Antivirals have the greatest effect if started 24-72 hours after symptoms.
• In a study from the 2009 swine flu (H1N1) pandemic in the United States, treatment with antivirals (Tamiflu and Relenza) reduced the chance of needing to be hospitalised.
• The research is less clear about whether antivirals prevent the development of flu complications such as secondary bacterial pneumonia.

Are flu antivirals becoming less effective?

• The impact of the antiviral resistance is unclear but there is evidence indicating resistant strains can uphold their ability to replicate effectively and spread.
• However, government agencies and surveillance programs are constantly monitoring the spread of antiviral resistance.

Antivirals can also prevent the flu if you’ve been exposed

• Tamiflu and Relenza can also be used to prevent flu infections, if we’re exposed to the virus or come into contact with infected people.
• Some studies suggest Tamiflu and Relenza can reduce the chance of developing symptomatic influenza by 70-90%.

So who should talk to their GP about a prescription?

Australian guidelines recommend doctors offer antivirals to people with influenza who have severe disease or complications. Doctors can also consider treatment for people at higher risk of developing severe disease from influenza. This includes:
• Antiviral treatment also can be considered for otherwise healthy symptomatic patients who have confirmed or suspected influenza, if they can start treatment within 48 hours of developing symptoms.
• In some instances a doctors can make a clinical diagnosis of influenza based on the symptoms and known close flu positive contacts of the patient.
• Read more:
  What happens in our body when we encounter and fight off a virus like the flu, SARS-CoV-2 or RSV?