IM Question

[nirvanamona]

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kinda new in here and most threads in here are general so i'm not too sure where to post CK questions or queries.

pls explain the use of antivirals i.e. Oseltamivir and Zanamivir in the treatment of influenza infection. it appears that establishing the diagnosis through lab methods is a time consuming process yet antivirals must be initiated within 48hours to be effective. my Q is do we prescribe patients with antivirals by clinical suspicion? i tried going through the cdc website on the guidelines of prescribing antivirals but i am still in the dark.

anyone?

 

[AlternateSome1]

rapid flu nasal swab..comes back in minutes and tamiflu can be initiated

 

[Critical Mass]

rapid flu nasal swab..comes back in minutes and tamiflu can be initiated

Agree, but make sure it's a nasopharyngeal collection. Also be wary of some of the testing kits used by labs. Some of them are no good at detecting flu due to low senstitivity.