The use of two reverse transcriptase inhibitors simultaneously slows the emergence of resistant virus. The mainstay of protection against influenza has always been vaccination New drugs are now becoming available that effectively treat influenza. If begun within 48 hours of the onset of illness. The use of amantadine is limited by rapid emergence of resistance and by the drug's adverse effects. There is a new class of antiviral agents called neuraminidase inhibitors.
Neuraminidase inhibitors block release of influenza virus from infected cells.
Neuraminidase is an enzyme located on the surface of the virus that plays an essential role in the release of the virus from the surface of infected cells. The enyme actually breaks a bond between the virus and proteins on the cell surface, thus allowing formed viral particles to be released. A and type B influenza. The neuraminidase inhibitors bind to the active site and block it. Use of these agents is reported to shorten the duration of symptomatic illness if the drug is started within 30 hours of the onset of symptoms.