Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir

Summary

NICE has said that its recommendations about oseltamivir and zanamivir should not reduce efforts to give vaccination (also called the flu jab) to people for whom it is recommended in national guidelines.

The guidance does not cover widespread epidemics.

Oseltamivir and zanamivir are recommended to prevent flu if all of the following apply:

• The amount of flu virus going around is enough that if someone has a flu-like illness it is likely that it has been caused by the flu virus
• The person is in an at-risk group (see page 4).
• The person has been in contact with someone with a flu-like illness and can start treatment within 36 hours (for zanamivir) or within 48 hours (for oseltamivir)
• The person has not been effectively protected by vaccination

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA158 Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir: guidance
• TA158 Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir: guidance (MS Word format)
• TA158 Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir: guidance: quick reference guide

For patients, carers and the public

• TA158 Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir: guidance: understanding NICE guidance
• TA158 Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir: understanding NICE guidance (MS Word format)

Background information

• NICE reviews guidance on the prevention of 'flu

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir: audit support
• Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir: cost template