Click here for current recommendations from CDC on use of antiviral medications. Latest revised recommendations from Dec 7 2009.   

Summary: Treat with neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medications (Tamiflu, Relenza) if a patient has an acute onset of an influenza like illness AND has a high risk medical condition or is ill enough to be hospitalized. Do not treat if the patient will be managed at home and does not have a high risk medical condition. A previous update on Sept 22 2009 removed the category of children ages 2 years to 5 years from the “high risk” list. An October update discusses Oseltamivir dosing in children and the inclusion of women who are up to two weeks post-partum in the high risk group.