Influenza in the older adult. Indications for the use of vaccine and antiviral therapy.
Each year, the influenza virus is responsible for 20,000 to 40,000 deaths and up to 300,000 hospitalizations in the United States. Although children and younger adults experience more cases of influenza, older individuals who are infected with the virus experience greater morbidity and mortality. The most effective means of influenza prevention for older adults is the influenza vaccine. Antivirals are used as adjuvant therapy, but they are not intended as primary prevention except for at-risk patients who are allergic to the vaccine. The neuroaminidase inhibitors may cause fewer side effects than the older antivirals and therefore may be a useful alternative in the treatment of influenza symptoms in older adults.
Sandhu
S K
SK
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Mossad
S B
SB
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007252:Influenza Vaccines