Are anti-viral medicines recommended for the swine flu?
The CDC states the following: “Empiric antiviral treatment should be considered for confirmed, probable or suspected cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. 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 of 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 five days. Is anti-viral chemoprophylaxis being recommended? Yes, the CDC is now recommending anti-viral treatments in certain instances. For antiviral chemoprophylaxis of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, either oseltamivir or zanamivir are recommended. Duration of antiviral chemoprophylaxis
