Guidance

Update on use of antivirals for flu prevention and treatment published

Letter from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer to the NHS regarding use of antiviral medicines for treatment of flu.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 20 December 2012

Applies to England

Documents

Letter from the CMO and CPhO on flu antiviral use

PDF, 130 KB, 5 pages

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Details

The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer have written to the NHS to advise that antiviral medicines may now be used for the prevention or treatment of flu in line with NICE guidelines.

This update sent to GPs and other health professionals advises for a final push this season to offer vaccination to those in the at risk groups, so that they are protected before the level of flu increases significantly.

This action is being taken because surveillance data from the Health Protection Agency indicates increased levels of the influenza virus is circulating.

Published 20 December 2012