Infectious Disease Guidelines | Influenza 

The WHO releases new clinical guidelines for the management of Influenza

Released by WHO, 13 September 2024

The updated WHO guidelines for influenza therapeutics reflect the evolving evidence from recent randomized controlled trials.

Expanding on the previous focus on severe influenza, these guidelines now cover both severe and non-severe cases, including recommendations for antiviral use to prevent infection within 48 hours of exposure. The update applies to seasonal, pandemic, and zoonotic influenza strains like H5N1, H5N6, and H7N9.

It also provides baseline risk estimates for hospitalization and death, along with definitions for high-risk patients, aiming to guide clinicians in appropriately targeting treatment and prevention strategies.

This guideline provides recommendations on the following: 
• Treatment with antivirals for both severe and non-severe influenza; 
• Treatment with adjunctive therapies for patients with severe influenza, including corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), macrolides and passive immune therapy; 
• Use of diagnostic testing strategies to guide treatment of patients with, or at risk of, influenza virus infection; 
• Use of antivirals to prevent symptomatic influenza;
• Use of concomitant antibiotics in patients with non-severe influenza.

This publication updates the document published in 2022, “Guidelines for the clinical management of severe illness from influenza virus infections.” 


Download the Clinical Guideline Update

World Health Organisation : Clinical Practical Guidelines for Influenza, 13 September 2024 (PDF)

Access the Original Press Release

13 September 2024 | WHO updates influenza care guidelines, includes recommendations for viruses with pandemic potential

Access more resources related to Influenza

Influenza Guidelines (South Africa)

 
Back to top

Disclaimer
This article is compiled from a variety of resources researched and compiled by the contributor. It is in no way presented as an original work.  Every effort has been made to correctly attribute quotes and content. Where possible all information has been independently verified. The Medical Education Network bears no responsibility for any inaccuracies which may occur from the use of third-party sources. If you have any queries regarding this article contact us 

Fact-checking Policy
The Medical Education Network makes every effort to review and fact-check the articles used as source material in our summaries and original material. We have strict guidelines in relation to the publications we use as our source data, favouring peer-reviewed research wherever possible. Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained here is an accurate reflection of the original material. Should you find inaccuracies, out of date content or have any additional issues with our articles, please make use of the contact us form to notify us.