Who Should be Treated with Neuraminidase Inhibitors if they Contract Swine Flu?
High risk groups for the development of H1N1 influenza A, formerly known as swine flu, include people over the age of 50, children and adolescents who are on longterm aspirin therapy (which puts them at risk for the brain abnormality Reye’s Syndrome if they contract inluenza), children under the age of five and pregnant women. Adults and children with chronic lung disease, cancer, heart disease, kidney dysfunction, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, HIV infection and transplant recipients are also considered high risk for complications for influenza, and should be treated with antiviral agents. Adults and children with brain abnormalities which result in decreased ablility to clear respiratory secretions should also be treated with oseltamivir or zanamivir in the event they contract or are exposed to influena A H1N1, formerly known as swine flu. Patients with cerebral palsy, Lou Gehrig’s disease, seizure disorders and spinal cord injuries would be considered at higher risk for serious compl
