30 April 2009

Health professionals are urged to follow guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Ageing when prescribing antivirals for the treatment of swine influenza (H1N1).

Current recommendations for the treatment of swine influenza using oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) are only in the event of:

• Close contacts of confirmed or probable cases, in consultation with the local Public Health Unit, within 48 hours of contact
• Suspected cases, in consultation with the local Public Health Unit, if started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, until influenza A is excluded or an alternative diagnosis is made.

There is no current recommendation for oseltamivir to be used as a prevention by travellers visiting affected countries, apart from Mexico.

These recommendations are in line with those issued by the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC), which can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm.

It is not expected that the Australian seasonal influenza vaccine will provide protection against this new strain of influenza virus. However, people over 65 and other vulnerable groups should still be encouraged to be vaccinated as this will provide protection against seasonal influenza.

For up to date information about swine influenza visit www.health.gov.au or www.who.org.

Community pharmacists can access more detailed information through The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia websites.

Doctors and other prescribers can access further information through the AMA and RACGP websites.

For further information on diagnosing influenza see an article from the next edition of Australian Prescriber, 'Rapid tests for the diagnosis of influenza'.