Although yearly vaccination with the flu vaccine is the primary strategy for preventing complications of influenza virus infections, antiviral medications with activity against influenza viruses can be effective for the prevention and treatment of influenza.

Follow the links below for the most current information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on indications for use, recommendations, pharmacokinetics, side effects, antiviral resistance and more.

Basic Information

• 2010-2011 Influenza Antiviral Medications Guidance (CDC)
• Key Facts About Antiviral Drugs and Seasonal Flu
• Summary of Side Effects

Antiviral Resistance

• Antiviral Drug-Resistant Strains of Seasonal Influenza Virus (CDC)

Reporting Adverse Events

The  U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)  is a computerized information database designed to support the FDA's post-marketing safety surveillance program for all approved drug and therapeutic biologic products. The ultimate goal of AERS is to improve the public health by providing the best available tools for storing and analyzing safety reports.  Health care professionals and consumers send reports voluntarily through the  MedWatch program.