Put flu patients on anti-viral drugs at the earliest: DAK

SRINAGAR — Amid flu cases, the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Wednesday stressed the early use of anti-viral drugs in patients with flu illness.

“Timely use of antiviral drugs prevents deaths,” said DAK President and flu expert Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan in a statement issued here.

Quoting a study, he said, “Treatment with anti-virals within two days of onset of symptoms reduces the risk of death in flu patients by 60 per cent,” adding, “Clinical and observational data shows that anti-viral treatment shortens the duration of illness and makes flu milder.”

Dr Nisar said clinicians should prescribe anti-viral medication to flu patients as early as possible and should not wait for the lab test results as delay could be fatal. He said flu anti-virals work best for treatment when they are started within 48 hours of the onset of illness. However, starting them later can still be helpful.

Dr Nisar said anti-viral treatment is recommended for any patient with confirmed or suspected flu who is hospitalized or has severe progressive illness or is at higher risk of developing flu-related complications.

People at high risk of complications include children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions. “Anti-viral can also be considered on the basis of clinical judgment for those who do not have a risk for severe illness,” he added.

“Currently, oseltamivir is the most effective anti-viral drug for all circulating flu viruses which includes swine flu and this year’s dominant influenza B virus,” Dr Nisar said, adding, “The drug can be safely given to pregnant women and infants aged two weeks and older.”

“Despite anti-viral flu medications saving lives, they are unfortunately under-prescribed. Clinicians commonly prescribe anti-biotics to patients with flu which is not only inappropriate but also puts patients at risk of antibiotic-resistant infections,” he said.

“Anti-biotics do not have activity against viruses and clinicians must know that anti-virals work and work efficiently against flu,” said Dr Nisar.