Abstract
Objective To review the clinical effectiveness of oseltamivir and zanamivir for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B.Design Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.Data sources Published...
Highlights
Influenza epidemics occur almost every winter and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality.[1]
All age groups are susceptible, but increasing age, certain chronic medical conditions, and residential care increase the risk of complications and death
In this systematic review, commissioned by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), we examined randomised controlled trials of zanamivir and oseltamivir, both for treatment and prophylaxis, in three populations—children, high risk adults, and otherwise healthy adults—to assess the evidence for the clinical effectiveness of these two drugs
Summary
Influenza epidemics occur almost every winter and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality.[1]. Current policy in the United Kingdom recommends that individuals at high risk of serious illness or death from flu should be vaccinated against the virus annually (see www.doh.gov.uk/ flu.htm). Antivirals represent a rational approach to flu management to complement vaccination, in “high risk” individuals, but until recently only the M2 inhibitors, amantadine and rimantadine, were available. Limitations of these drugs include rapid emergence of resistance,[2 3] lack of antiviral activity against influenza B, and frequent adverse central nervous system events, in elderly people.[4 5]
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