Influenza

Question 1

What 2 antivirals are used for both treatment and/or post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza?

Answer 1

• Oseltamivir:
  Adult body weight 24-40kg:
  60 mg OD for 10 days for post-exposure prophylaxis; for up to 6 weeks (or 12 weeks if immunocompromised) during an epidemic

Adult body weight >41kg:
75 mg OD for 10 days for post-exposure prophylaxis for up to 6 weeks (or 12 weeks if immunocompromised) during an epidemic

• Zanamivir:
  Treatment: 10 mg BD for 5 days
  Prevention: 10 mg OD for up to 28 days
  Post exposure prophylaxis: 10 mg OD for 10 days

Question 2

What individuals aged 6 months and over are vulnerable to influenza and so should take the Influenza vaccine?

Answer 2

• Chronic respiratory disease
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic liver diease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic neurological disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Splenic dysfunction or asplenia
• Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
• HIV infection regardless of immune status
• Morbid obesity (BMI of 40 kg/m2 and above
• Learning disability
• All children aged 2-15 years
• All pregnant females
• All adults aged 50 years and over
• Residents of long-stay residential homes or other specific facilities
• Main carer’s of an older or disabled individual whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
• Household contacts of immunocompromised
• Frontline health and social care workers