The guidelines below are adapted from this report. Approximately 20,000 deaths occur yearly in the United States due to epidemics of influenza. Although the highest rates of infection occur in children, the highest rates of morbidity and mortality occur in individuals over age 65 and in individuals with risk factors at any age. Uncomplicated influenza usually presents as an abrupt onset of constitutional and respiratory signs and symptoms such as fever, sore throat, rhinitis, nonproductive cough, myalgia, headache, and sever malaise.
Symptoms usually resolve after several days.
In addition, antivirals may be used for unvaccinated individuals during an outbreak who have close contact with high risk patients. Infection control should be notified for specific recommendations if an outbreak occurs. Oseltamivir should be used for treatment of influenza A and B only when treatment is to be initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset. Prevention of Influenza Vaccination of high risk individuals is the most effective means to control influenza infection. The influenza vaccine is inactivated and is made from highly purified, egg-grown viruses.