Vaccination remains the primary method of preventing and controlling influenza.
Always consider the possibility of primary or concomitant bacterial infection when making treatment decisions for patients with suspected influenza. 3.Use special caution if prescribing zanamivir to patients with underlying asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The advisory was prompted by the death of 2 flu patients with bacterial infections who were given zanamivir when they should have been prescribed antibiotics and by the death of 3 other very sick flu patients who should have been given stronger treatments than zanamivir. Cases have occurred throughout the Netherlands but have been concentrated in the so-called Bible belt, where people choose not to have their children vaccinated for religious reasons. The Dutch Ministry of Health has publicized these data in an attempt to convince parents that measles can be a serious disease and that vaccination is an excellent preventive intervention.