great information and the gold is in the following extract(particularly the last sentence in brackets!):
Use of Antiviral Agents The CDC has released guidelines for use of antiviral agents to treat novel H1N1 infection cases and for prophylaxis (pre-exposure or post-exposure) (see References: CDC 2009: Interim guidance on antiviral recommendations for patients with confirmed or suspected swine influenza A H1N1 virus infection and close contacts). Key points from those guidelines (as of April 28, 2009) are as follows:
Treatment of Confirmed, Probable, and Suspected Cases Antiviral treatment should be considered for confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of novel H1N1 infection, with priority given to hospitalized patients and patients at higher risk for influenza complications. Antiviral treatment with zanamivir or oseltamivir should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Evidence for benefits from treatment in studies of seasonal influenza is strongest when treatment is started within 48 hours after illness onset. However, some studies of treatment of seasonal influenza have indicated benefit, including reductions in mortality or duration of hospitalization, even for patients whose treatment was started more than 48 hours after illness onset. Recommended duration of treatment is 5 days. (Note: Areas that continue to have seasonal influenza activity, especially those with circulation of oseltamivir-resistant human A H1N1 viruses, might prefer to use either zanamivir or a combination of oseltamivir and rimantadine or amantadine to provide adequate empiric treatment or chemoprophylaxis for patients who might have human influenza A H1N1 infection.)
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$1.10 Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
