Supportive care and antiviral agents, especially neuraminidase inhibitors (such as oseltamivir and zanamivir), are the mainstay of treatment for influenza. While efficacious in reducing viral load and abating symptoms in ambulatory patients, their effects on outcomes in critically ill patients have not been established. Their utility in treating severe pandemic H1N1 influenza may be compromised by widespread use and emergence of viral resistance [10, 11] , limited supplies, policies regarding treatment strategies, and cost and availability, especially in developing countries [12] . Human and animal data suggest that the course of influenza may be favorably influenced by certain agents not classically considered as treatments for influenza [13] [14] [15] [16] that are comparatively inexpensive and readily available. Such agents may provide independent benefit in treating viral infection and are attractive as adjuvant treatments.