CDC Health Advisory on Influenza Antiviral Medications  
On December 19, 2008 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new interim recommendations for the use of influenza antiviral medications this year because preliminary data indicates that the prevalence of influenza A (HINI) virus strains resistant to the antiviral mediation oseltamivir is high. When influenza A (H1N1) virus infection or exposure is suspected, use of zanamivir or a combination of oseltamivir and rimantadine are acceptable alternatives. Amantadine can be substituted for rimantadine if rimantadine is unavailable. Local influenza surveillance data and laboratory testing can help with physician decision-making regarding the choice of antiviral agents for their patients. The 2008-09 influenza vaccine is expected to be effective in preventing or reducing the severity of illness with currently circulating influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant influenza A (H1N1) virus strains. Since influenza activity remains low and is expected to increase in the weeks and months to come, CDC recommends that influenza vaccination efforts continue.