Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Guidelines are also available from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Annual immunization against influenza A and B is the most effective method of preventing infection and has been shown to reduce influenza complications. Changes this year include a vaccine with three new influenza antigens and expanded age criteria to include all children 6 months to 18 years of age. An upcoming issue of The Medical Letter will review drugs for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza.

Annual immunization against influenza A and B is the most effective method of preventing infection and has been shown to reduce associated complications.

Antiviral drugs can be used to control institutional influenza outbreaks and for prophylaxis of influenza exposures that occur before or less than 2 weeks after vaccination with inactivated vaccine, or in years when circulating strains differ from those included in the vaccine. They can also be used for early treatment of patients with influenza.

Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or www.cdc.gov/travel.

Antiviral prophylaxis is indicated for influenza exposures that occur before (or less than 2 weeks after) vaccination with inactivated vaccine, or in years when circulating strains differ from those included in the vaccine. Antiviral drugs can also be used for treatment of patients who develop symptoms of influenza, regardless of vaccination status.
Please see Update: Influenza Resistance to Amantadine and Rimantadine

Annual immunization against influenza A and B is the most effective method of preventing infection and has been shown to reduce associated complications. A future issue of The Medical Letter will review drug prophylaxis and treatment of influenza.