Oseltamivir, amantadine and zanamivir for the prophylaxis of influenza (including a review of TA67)

NICE has said that its recommendations about oseltamivir and zanamivir should not reduce efforts to give vaccination (also called the flu jab) to people for whom it is recommended in national guidelines.

The guidance does not cover widespread epidemics.

Oseltamivir and zanamivir are recommended to prevent flu if all of the following apply:

• The amount of flu virus going around is enough that if someone has a flu-like illness it is likely that it has been caused by the flu virus
• The person is in an at-risk group (see page 4).
• The person has been in contact with someone with a flu-like illness and can start treatment within 36 hours (for zanamivir) or within 48 hours (for oseltamivir)
• The person has not been effectively protected by vaccination

Guidance section 1.3 refers to the fact that the clinical risk groups are defined and updated each year by the Chief Medical Officer. For more information please see Annex C in the 2011/12 Seasonal flu plan.

• Other information

  • TA158 Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir: guidance (web format)

  How this guidance was produced

  Background information

  • Review decision - November 2011
  • Review Proposal - September 2011
  • NICE reviews guidance on the prevention of 'flu

Guidance formats

• Web format
• Quick reference guide (PDF)
• Full Guidance (PDF)
• Patient version (MS Word)
• TA158 Oseltamivir, amantadine a zanamivir i atal y ffliw: deall canllawiau NICE (fformat MS Word)

Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir

Guideline for patients and carers (PDF)