Treatment and prevention of influenza in geriatric patients

Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2023 Aug 1. doi: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2243221. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Older adults are the most vulnerable population to the effects of influenza. These patients have age-related characteristics that make response to both infection and therapeutics different than younger patients.AREAS COVERED: Influenza vaccination and antiviral therapy are the foundational approach to preventing and treating influenza in geriatric patients. Older adults should receive one of three enhanced vaccines before influenza season beings. There are five antivirals used in influenza. Geriatric patients have been under-enrolled in antiviral studies but have been included in small numbers. Oseltamivir has the most abundant evidence, including in the hospital and Long-term care (LTC) facilities, and the strongest evidence for reducing mortality and complications. Peramivir offers the shortest time to symptom alleviation while baloxavir is the best tolerated.EXPERT OPINION: Oseltamivir has the most versatility in preventing and treating influenza in geriatric patients. Parenteral peramivir and zanamivir are second-line alternatives for complicated influenza when oseltamivir cannot be used. Single-dose peramivir and baloxavir are attractive alternatives to oseltamivir in uncomplicated influenza, but will not increase in utilization until more evidence is available regarding mortality and complications, particularly in hospitalized and LTC patients. More stu...
Source: Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research