Neuraminidase inhibitors in pandemic A/H1N1 flu

Summarised data show benefit from neuraminidase inhibitor treatment in reducing complications, including admission to intensive care and death, among hospitalised patients with A/H1N1 infection. 2 These data were collected during the current pandemic in the United States and Mexico without industry funding. 3 4 Data from seasonal flu investigations such as that by Lee et al also show a reduced risk of death among hospitalised patients with laboratory confirmed flu who received a neuraminidase inhibitor, even more than 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. 5 The risks associated with the use of neuraminidase inhibitors during the pandemic are being monitored.