Critical Care Medicine-Infections and Immunologic Disease>>>>>Systemic Infections
Question 9#

Which of the following patients should receive antiviral medication for seasonal influenza infection?

A. A breastfeeding 32-year-old woman who is 6 weeks postpartum
B. A 25-year-old man receiving a TNF-α antagonist for inflammatory bowel disease
C. A 56-year-old man with cirrhosis from alcohol use
D. Both B and C

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

Correct Answer: D

People at risk of severe seasonal influenza disease and poor outcomes include pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks postpartum; immunosuppressed patients and immunodeficient patients including people living with HIV and a CD4 T-cell count <200 cells/mL, adults over the age of 65 years, people with active malignancy, chronic liver, kidney, lung, or cardiovascular disease (except isolated hypertension), among others. When seasonal influenza is suspected or confirmed in any of these groups, prompt initiation of antiviral therapy is recommended. 

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summaryclinicians.htm. Accessed November 21, 2018.
2. Fiore AE, Fry A, Shay D, Gubareva L, Bresee JS, Uyeki TM. Antiviral agents for the treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza –- recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2011;60:1-24.