CDC, professional groups urge prompt antiviral treatment for flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Medical Association and other physician and professional organizations last week urged health care professionals to promptly treat young children and people age 65 and older with flu antiviral drugs. “In the context of widespread circulation of H3N2 and reduced vaccine effectiveness, prompt antiviral treatment of severely ill and high risk patients becomes even more important as a second line of defense in reducing flu complications and death,” the organizations said in a letter to colleagues. CDC Friday reported the highest flu hospitalization rate for people 65 and older (198.4 per 100,000) since the agency began tracking the information in 2005. Children aged four and under had the next highest rate (38.2 per 100,000). The most common flu viruses circulating this season are H3N2 viruses, which are associated with higher hospitalization rates and are less well matched with this year’s vaccine.