N Engl J Med. Adverse events were also assessed. Rates of influenza were higher at the 3 Virginia sites than at the Texas and Kansas sites. Conclusion Oseltamivir once or twice daily was effective and safe in preventing influenza. Commentary This commentary also refers to Zanamivir speeds symmptom relief in influenza .
Influenza remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality each year.
Although vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza, antiviral agents play an important complementary role for preventing and treating the disease. Before 1999, amantadine and rimantadine were the only antiviral agents available and were active only against influenza A viruses. The neuraminidase inhibitors appear to be much less likely to induce resistance. Zanamivir and oseltamivir are effective for the treatment of in-fluenza A or B among adults when started within 2 days of onset of symptoms. Monto and colleagues administered zanamivir by nasal spray and in its currently available form of orally inhaled powder.