Flu levels trigger use of antivirals to treat symptoms

For most people, flu is miserable, lasting a week or so, but not life threatening

Professor John Watson, Head of the Respiratory Diseases Department, HPA

Key facts

NICE is the independent organisation that gives official advice on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health.
Antivirals are medicines given to high risk patients who become ill with seasonal flu. They are only effective if taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms and may help limit the impact of some symptoms and reduce serious complications.
NICE doesn't recommend antivirals for the prevention of flu in otherwise healthy people under 65, even if they have been in close contact with someone with a flu-like illness.
One of the main methods used to monitor flu levels is through the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) surveillance scheme. This takes a sample of GPs from around the country and monitors the number of people per 100,000 who have consulted their GP for flu or flu-like illness throughout the winter.

Flu viruses are now circulating in England at a rate that warrants the use of antiviral medicines in certain patients, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Data shows that since mid December last year, the number of people with flu has increased to levels at which the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends using antiviral medicines. The NICE guidance applies only when the number of people with flu reaches a high enough level and there is good evidence that flu is circulating in the community.

Siobhan Leigh-Hunt of the HPA, however, told BUPA's health information team that the number of people with flu isn't cause for concern. "This is a normal level for the season", said Siobhan. "This reflects 30 to 200 people per 100,000 consulting a doctor with flu symptoms."

Following the NICE guidance, the Department of Health has advised GPs to consider prescribing antiviral medicines for patients who are at high risk of developing complications from the flu infection.

Professor John Watson, Head of the Respiratory Diseases Department at the HPA, said, "For most people, flu is miserable, lasting a week or so, but not life threatening. For those in at-risk groups, however, such as the elderly and patients with heart problems, diabetes or lung, liver or kidney diseases, or those who have weak immune systems, it can be far more dangerous and can lead to more serious illnesses."

Professor Watson added that the best protection for those at risk of developing complications from seasonal flu is vaccination.

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Flu levels trigger use of antiviral medicines

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