What are the implications of testing positive for Influenza (Flu)?

From the Guidelines

If you've tested positive for the flu, it is crucial to start antiviral treatment as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset, to reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes, especially for high-risk individuals. The implications of testing positive for influenza (flu) are significant, and prompt treatment can make a substantial difference in morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, antiviral treatment with oseltamivir can reduce the median duration of illness by 36 hours and the risk of otitis media by 34% in children with laboratory-confirmed influenza. Key points to consider include:

• Resting at home until being fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications
• Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6-8 hours as needed for fever and body aches
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoiding contact with others, especially vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems
• Seeking medical attention if experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, chest pain, or worsening symptoms It is essential to note that antiviral treatment should not be delayed while waiting for a definitive influenza test result, as early therapy provides the best outcomes 1. Additionally, vaccination is the preferred approach to preventing infection, and chemoprophylaxis may be recommended in certain situations, such as for children at high risk of complications from influenza for whom an influenza vaccine is contraindicated 1. Overall, prompt and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with influenza, and it is crucial to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life when making treatment decisions.

From the FDA Drug Label

The primary efficacy population was defined as those with a positive rapid influenza diagnostic test (Trial T0821) or positive influenza reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (Trial T0831) at trial entry

The implications of testing positive for Influenza (Flu) are not directly stated in the provided drug label. However, it can be inferred that a positive test result indicates the presence of the influenza virus, which can lead to symptoms such as cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, feverishness, myalgia, and fatigue.

• Symptom alleviation: The time to alleviation of these symptoms can be shortened with treatment, such as with baloxavir (XOFLUZA) 2.
• Treatment options: Treatment with baloxavir (XOFLUZA) has been shown to result in a statistically significant shorter time to alleviation of symptoms compared to placebo in otherwise healthy adults and adolescents with acute uncomplicated influenza 2.

From the Research

Implications of Testing Positive for Influenza (Flu)

The implications of testing positive for influenza (flu) are significant, and various studies have investigated the effects of antiviral treatment on the disease. Some key points to consider include:

• Treatment with antiviral drugs: Treatment with one of four approved anti-influenza drugs may be considered if the patient presents within 48 hours of symptom onset 3. The benefit of treatment is greatest when antiviral therapy is started within 24 hours of symptom onset.
• Reduction in disease severity: Antiviral drugs can decrease the duration of illness by about 24 hours in otherwise healthy patients and may decrease the risk of serious complications 3. Neuraminidase inhibitors, such as zanamivir and oseltamivir, can modify the severity of illness and reduce the duration of illness by about 1.5-2.5 days 4.
• Importance of early treatment: Early treatment with oseltamivir has been shown to reduce the risk of disease progression, including pulmonary and extrapulmonary organ failure and death, in adults hospitalized with influenza A 5.
• Prevention of complications: Antiviral drugs may be of great value in preventing complications, such as bronchitis, otitis media, and pneumonia, especially in high-risk patients 4, 6.
• Vaccination: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people six months and older who do not have contraindications 3. Influenza vaccination can reduce influenza illness in 75%-80% of healthy adults 4.

High-Risk Patients

High-risk patients, such as those with chronic underlying diseases, older adults, and immunosuppressed individuals, may benefit from antiviral treatment and vaccination. Some key points to consider include:

• Increased risk of complications: High-risk patients are at increased risk of developing complications from influenza, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and otitis media 4, 6.
• Benefit of antiviral treatment: Antiviral treatment may be beneficial in reducing the risk of complications and disease progression in high-risk patients 4, 6.
• Importance of vaccination: Vaccination is especially important for high-risk patients, as it can reduce the risk of influenza illness and complications 3, 4.

Treatment Options

Various treatment options are available for influenza, including antiviral drugs and vaccination. Some key points to consider include:

• Antiviral drugs: Four approved anti-influenza drugs are available, including oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine, and rimantadine 3, 4.
• Neuraminidase inhibitors: Neuraminidase inhibitors, such as zanamivir and oseltamivir, are preferred for treatment due to their high accuracy and fast results 3.
• Vaccination: Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people six months and older who do not have contraindications 3.