When should clinicians prescribe antiviral drugs for prevention of influenza?
Pre-exposure antiviral chemoprophylaxis should only be used in limited circumstances, and in consultation with local medical or public health authorities. Certain people at ongoing occupational risk for exposure (health care personnel, public health workers, or first responders who are working in communities with influenza A H1N1 outbreak), especially those at higher risk for complications of influenza, should carefully follow guidelines for appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent influenza exposure to influenza. Health care workers at high risk of influenza-related complications who cannot minimize exposure may consider temporary reassignment.
