date: 1/25/2006
Change in flu treatment recommendations
This season's viruses are resistant to two anti-flu medications.
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On Jan. 14, 2006, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory against the use of amantadine (available generically and as Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine) for the prevention or treatment of the flu in the U.S. during the 2005-06 influenza season. "Recent evidence indicates that a high proportion of currently circulating influenza A viruses in this country are resistant to these medications," the advisory said.
The CDC's interim recommendation is that "neither amantadine nor rimantadine be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A in the United States for the remainder of the 2005-06 influenza season. During this period, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) should be selected if an antiviral medication is used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. Testing of influenza isolates for resistance to antivirals will continue throughout the 2005-06 influenza season, and recommendations will be updated as needed. Annual influenza vaccination remains the primary means of preventing morbidity and mortality associated with influenza."
The CDC's interim recommendation is that "neither amantadine nor rimantadine be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A in the United States for the remainder of the 2005-06 influenza season. During this period, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) should be selected if an antiviral medication is used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. Testing of influenza isolates for resistance to antivirals will continue throughout the 2005-06 influenza season, and recommendations will be updated as needed. Annual influenza vaccination remains the primary means of preventing morbidity and mortality associated with influenza."
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