Oseltamivir Reduces Mortality Risk In Older Patients Hospitalized With Influenza, Study Finds

Infectious Disease Advisor (5/2, Nye) reported a study found that “older adults hospitalized with influenza show significantly reduced risk of mortality following treatment with oseltamivir regardless of vaccination status, including those who initiate treatment more than 48 hours after admission.” Researchers observed that “compared with no antiviral treatment, the risk of 30-day mortality was significantly reduced among patients who received oseltamivir regardless of whether administration occurred within or after 48 hours of hospital admission. However, the relationship between oseltamivir and reduced mortality was significant among only patients with influenza A and not among those with influenza B.” Researchers concluded, “Our findings confirm the effectiveness of oseltamivir in a typically underrepresented group in clinical trials, challenging hesitancy towards late antiviral treatment and emphasizing prompt intervention.” The study was published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.