October 19, 2009

  Health care providers should initiate antiviral treatment as soon as possible for all patients hospitalized with suspected flu, even if flu has not been confirmed by laboratory testing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in an advisory today to clinicians. The CDC said patients with a negative rapid flu diagnostic test also should be considered for antiviral treatment if clinically indicated, because false negative results for the 2009 H1N1 flu rapid diagnostic tests occur frequently. The agency also recommends prompt antiviral therapy for outpatients with suspected flu who have symptoms of lower respiratory tract illness or clinical deterioration, regardless of previous health or age. It said early antiviral treatment also should be considered for patients with suspected or confirmed flu who are at higher risk for complications, such as children under 2 and pregnant women, even if not hospitalized. For more information, see the CDC's updated recommendations for the use of antiviral medications.