infections
Influenza (Flu)
Antiviral drugs
Although vaccination is the preferred method of prevention, several Antiviral drugs can be used in certain people to prevent infection with the influenza virus. During an outbreak of influenza, antiviral drugs are given to people who have been vaccinated within the previous 2 weeks (because it takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to become effective). They are stopped 2 weeks after people are vaccinated. These drugs are also given to people who have conditions that make vaccination ineffective or dangerous. People may be givenoseltamivirorzanamivir.Oseltamivirhas few side effects.Zanamivircan irritate the lungs and cause wheezing in people who have asthma. 