|Articles|August 16, 2017

Expert Panel Reviews Neuraminidase Inhibitors for the Prevention and Treatment of Influenza

The debate on antivirals' effectiveness and safety has led to some uncertainty within the public health community regarding their potential benefits as a treatment option or as prophylaxis for influenza.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) expert opinion demonstrates that there is evidence for use of neuraminidase inhibitors for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza, in particular for the most vulnerable and their families. It also highlights the importance of further studies and the urgent need for the development of new antivirals with greater efficacy.

The expert opinion reviews three large systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing efficacy, effectiveness and safety of two licensed neuraminidase inhibitors, oral oseltamivir and inhaled zanamivir: the 2014 Cochrane Collaboration report (Jefferson et al.), the 2015 MUGAS study (Dobson et al.), and the 2014 PRIDE study (Muthuri et al.). Additional reviews and studies were also considered.

The expert opinion was opened for public consultation in spring 2016; the report has now been revised in light of the submissions and a final version published.

ECDC thanks those people and organizations who made submissions during the public consultation. The expert opinion benefitted from these valuable contributions; however, the conclusions of the expert opinion have not altered significantly.

Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

Stay prepared and protected with the Infection Control Today newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection prevention professionals.

Related to this article

Weekly Rounds With Infection Control Today

September 18th, 2026

ICT Weekly Rounds – September 17, 2026: RIngworm, Measles, Ebola Updates

This week on Infection Control Today, the stories ranged from emerging drug-resistant pathogens circling the globe to a landmark decade of surface science—all against a backdrop of ongoing outbreaks and a hard look at what the profession owes its own workforce.

Stacy Palmer, senior vice president and chief operating officer of The Beryl Institute (Image credit: author)

September 17th, 2026

AHE 2026: Stacy Palmer Explains How EVS Shapes Patient and Human Experience in Health Care

At AHE 2026 in New Orleans, The Beryl Institute's Stacy Palmer discussed 8 guiding principles for experience excellence and why EVS professionals influence far more than environmental cleanliness. Their interactions, workplace culture, and connection with patients help shape the overall human experience of health care.

Fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae in thigh of child. Ringworm. (Adobe Stock by ZAY WIN HTAI)

September 17th, 2026

What Is Trichophyton indotineae? Drug-Resistant Ringworm Spreads to 29 Countries

Drug-resistant Trichophyton indotineae has now been identified in 29 countries. Its resistance to first-line terbinafine, resemblance to other dermatophytes, and expanding global transmission are creating new challenges for diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and antifungal stewardship.

The cover of the September 2026 digital issue of Infection Control Today.

September 16th, 2026

Infection Control Today Launches First Digital Magazine for Infection Prevention Professionals

Infection Control Today celebrates 30 years of covering the people, science, and challenges shaping infection prevention with another milestone: its first digital magazine, featuring outbreak analysis, biosecurity, respiratory testing, sterile processing, professional leadership, conference coverage, and more.

A nurse and an EVS professional walk down a hospital hallway. (Image credit: Brenna Doran with AI)

September 16th, 2026

National EVS Week 2026: Why Environmental Services Is Essential to Infection Prevention and Patient Safety

During National EVS Week, appreciation matters, but partnership matters more. Environmental services professionals bring infection prevention expertise and a unique understanding of the health care environment that can help identify barriers, improve cleaning and disinfection practices, and ultimately protect patients.

Infection preventionists in full PPE with children in DRC. (Image credit: author with AI)

September 15th, 2026

Chasing the Bundibugyo Outbreak: How Static Numbers Hide a Moving Epidemic

Nearly 4 months into the DRC's Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak, some indicators suggest transmission may be slowing. But shifting hotspots, treatment-center capacity problems, community deaths, and incomplete surveillance data show why national case totals alone cannot determine whether containment has been achieved.

Person with measles on a plane. (image credit: author with AI)

September 15th, 2026

What Is Causing the 2026 US Measles Outbreak? Vaccination Rates, Travel, and Immigration Examined

As US measles cases climb into the thousands, immigration has become part of the political debate over the cause. Outbreak data point to a more complex picture involving international travel, declining vaccination coverage, pockets of susceptible populations, and highly efficient measles transmission. CDC reported 3,294 confirmed cases as of September 10.

Erica Mitchell, Ken Tinder, and Kate Mitchell, MBA, all of EOS Surfaces, Inc.

September 14th, 2026

Biocidal Hospital Surfaces and HAI Reduction: What a 10-Year NIH-Funded Study Found

A 10-year NIH-funded study used Bayesian statistical modeling to examine the relationship between continuously active EOScu surfaces and HAI reduction. EOS Surfaces representatives discuss the findings, passive infection prevention, environmental recontamination, and why IPs should continue asking tough questions.