What are the treatment benefits of influenza antiviral drugs for people with H1N1 or other flu illness?
When started within 2 days after becoming sick with influenza, antiviral drugs can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They may also prevent serious flu complications. Antiviral drugs may be especially important for people who are very sick (hospitalized) or people who are at increased risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks from end of pregnancy, young children, and those with chronic (long-term) health conditions. You should know that viral shedding can continue for a few days after treatment starts. This may cause antiviral-resistant viruses to emerge. If you’re taking antiviral drugs, you still need to closely follow hand and cough hygiene recommendations to avoid spreading the flu to others.
