Should I take antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu or Relenza, to prevent the flu?
Although antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective in preventing susceptible viruses (i.e., viruses that are not resistant to the antiviral medication), they are recommended for people with suspected or confirmed influenza who require hospitalization. People who are at high risk for complications, such as children younger than 5 years old, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (for example, asthma, diabetes, lung disease, people with weakened immune systems, etc.) and people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy will receive priority in receiving antiviral treatment.
