Reference

CMO(2022)39

Name

Seasonal Influenza: Use of Antivirals 2022-23

Categories

Scottish Government CMO Letters

Organization

Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates

Keywords

NHS SCOTLAND HEALTH BOARDS INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS LABORATORIES GP GENERAL PRACTICES CARE HOMES HOSPITALS CLOSED SETTINGS ANTIVIRALS

Description

Recent intelligence provided by Public Health Scotland (PHS) of increases in laboratory-confirmed influenza incidence and test swab positivity in general practices (GPs) now suggests sustained community-level influenza transmission in Scotland. This may lead to an increase in numbers of people presenting at GPs with influenza-like illness who are likely to be infected with the influenza virus. PHS also has confirmed influenza outbreaks in a few care homes, hospitals, and other closed settings. See the PHS weekly respiratory report for current levels of circulating respiratory conditions in Scotland. Based on PHS’s intelligence, antiviral medicines (specifically oseltamivir and zanamivir) can now be prescribed to treat influenza where clinically indicated, and in particular, among those vulnerable to severe disease or presenting with severe infection/symptoms. Antiviral use may help to prevent infection following exposure and, amongst those with infection, to lessen symptoms, shorten the period of illness and reduce the risk of complications that otherwise might lead to hospitalisation or death. Antiviral medicines are not a substitute for vaccination, which remains the most effective way of preventing influenza illness.

Contact Name

Vaccination Policy Team

Contact Email

Contact Address

Contact Phone

Created

2022-11-21 00:00:00

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