How should influenza be treated? Focus on antivirals

Is there a clear cut answer to the question: ‘Should antiviral drugs be used for seasonal influenza?’ It is reasonable to argue that antivirals are readily available, shorten illness and reduce the risk of complications, so why not use them? However, the use of antivirals is contentious and different countries adopt varying strategies. In particular, European doctors generally believe that antivirals should in general not be used in normal people with ordinary flu. It is remarkable that patients with flu care are more likely to be given antibiotics than antivirals.

However, new in-depth reviews by the Post-pandemic Review of anti-Influenza Drug Effectiveness (PRIDE) and the Multiparty Group for Advice on Science (MUGAS) are set to change this policy. Both reviews clearly demonstrate the beneficial effect of antivirals and endorse the policy decision to stockpile antiviral drugs.