Flu (influenza) antiviral medications for people at risk for complications
Flu (influenza) antiviral medications for people at risk for complications
Prescription antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (brand name TamifluTM) are available in pharmacies for the treatment of flu (influenza) in people at risk for complications. These medications relieve flu symptoms and reduce their duration and severity. They must be prescribed by a doctor, a pharmacist or a specialized nurse practitioner (SNP). Treatment must begin within 48 hours of the start of symptoms.
Target groups
Flu antiviral medications are intended for adults and children belonging to any one of the following groups:
People at risk for complications:
People aged 75 years and older
People living in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLD), seniors’ homes (RPA) or intermediate resources, whether public or private
People with a chronic disease or a condition requiring regular medical attention, such as:
a cardiac, pulmonary, renal (kidney), hepatic (liver), hematologic (blood), or neurologic disease
cancer
an immunocompromised condition
morbid obesity
Children and teenagers under 18 years receiving long-term treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, sold under the AspirinTM trade name;
Pregnant women in either of the following two situations:
in the 2nd or 3rd trimester (13 weeks and over) and in good health
with a chronic disease or condition, regardless of the trimester
Children under 2 years of age. For children with mild flu symptoms, antiviral treatment is not recommended if age is the only risk factor for complications.
People at high risk for complications:
People who are immunocompromised, such as people who have recently received an allograft or a solid-organ transplant and people undergoing chemotherapy
People with a severe pulmonary disease
People with several disorders
People living in the same household as a person at risk for flu complications, along with the person’s home care providers, are also eligible for flu antiviral treatment.
How to receive this treatment
If you have flu-like symptoms and are in one of the targeted groups, get tested for the flu as soon as possible. The test is free at a local point of service. Make an appointment on the Clic Santé website or by calling 1-877-644-4545.
If you test positive, you should talk with a pharmacist, a specialized nurse practitioner or a doctor, who will determine if you are eligible to receive flu antiviral medication. If you are eligible, you can purchase this treatment at a pharmacy of your choice.