Headlines - HCSP Opinion on the Use of Antiviral Drugs During the Circulation of the Influenza A(H3N2) Virus in the Winter of 2011–2012

In response to the urgent referral from the Directorate General of Health dated February 27, 2012, regarding the prescription of antivirals during outbreaks of influenza in elderly care facilities, the High Council for Public Health (HCSP) issued an opinion on March 5, 2012. This opinion takes into account the current influenza epidemic context: predominant circulation of the A(H3N2) subtype virus, which did not circulate in the French population during the two previous seasons; circulation among A(H3N2) viruses of variants that are antigenically different from the 2011-2012 seasonal vaccine strain; high incidence of influenza among the elderly, and persistent viral circulation (peak in late February–early March).

The HCSP therefore recommends, pending the ongoing revision of the "Guide to Management of One or More Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Senior Care Facilities," to follow the advice of the French High Council for Public Health (HCSP) dated January 16, 2004, regarding prophylaxis for at-risk individuals during an influenza outbreak in a care facility, during periods when the influenza virus is circulating.

It reiterates that within senior care facilities, every effort must be made to ensure that samples capable of detecting the influenza virus are collected, that these samples should be taken only from the first case(s), ideally within 72 hours of symptom onset, and recommends that post-exposure prophylactic antiviral treatment be initiated within 48 hours of contact with a person who has presented with influenza-like illness without waiting for the results of these tests.

Furthermore, regarding the use of antivirals in outpatients for curative treatment and post-exposure treatment, the HCSP notes that, in the absence of recommendations regarding the use of antivirals for seasonal influenza, the guidelines in the marketing authorization should be followed.