Facilitating access to antiviral medications and information during and influenza pandemic

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Author: Fain BA, Koonin LM, Stoto MA, Shah UA, Cooper SR, Piltch-Loeb...

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Antiviral medications can decrease the severity and duration of influenza, but they are most effective if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. In a severe influenza pandemic, normal channels of obtaining prescriptions and medications could become overwhelmed. To assess public perception of the acceptability and feasibility of alternative strategies for prescribing, distributing, and dispensing antivirals and disseminating information about influenza and its treatment, the Institute of Medicine, with technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), convened public engagement events in 3 demographically and geographically diverse communities: Fort Benton, MT; Chattanooga, TN; and Los Angeles, CA. Participants were introduced to the issues associated with pandemic influenza and the challenges of ensuring timely public access to information and medications. They then discussed the advantages and disadvantages of 5 alternative strategies currently being considered by the CDC and its partners. Participants at all 3 venues expressed high levels of acceptance for each of the proposed strategies and contributed useful ideas to support their implementation. This article discusses the key findings from these sessions.

Program: Community Health

Submitted Date: Oct 06, 2014 | Modified Date: Sep 30, 2025

Primary Toolkit: The Flu on Call Toolkit | Secondary Toolkit: N/A

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Institution Type: Academic,

Keywords: Influenza, Research & Reports

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