Flu pandemic: Antiviral drugs

Antiviral drugs are designed to inhibit the multiplication of viruses with the aim of reducing the symptoms and the duration of the illness. They are not vaccines. Antiviral drugs are only available on prescription. 

Treatment

If possible, start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of the first symptoms appearing. Keep precisely to the prescribed dose and duration of treatment. During treatment with antiviral drugs you’re still infectious. So make sure you follow the personal hygiene rules to protect the people around you from infection.

Stocks of antiviral drugs

Thanks to compulsory stocks, Switzerland has sufficient antiviral drugs in reserve to treat 25% of the population (both adults and children) and for prophylactic treatment of 250,000 medical and nursing personnel.

Recommendations

• Experts advise against taking antiviral drugs without a prescription or buying them on the internet. Patients in high-risk groups, or whose illness has taken a serious turn, will receive appropriate treatment from their doctor.
• Follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
• Follow the personal hygiene rules to protect yourself and other people from infection.
  

Documents

Swiss Influenza Pandemic Plan 2018 | www.bundespublikationen.admin.ch

Last modification 08.11.2024