Flu - What is the pharmacist to do?

Abstract

The pharmacist’s role in flu prevention and treatment extends much further than simply providing a convenient and accessible cold-chain outlet of flu vaccines and to offer symptomatic treatment. Pharmacists usually see flu patients very early and are in the best position to refer patients for early antiviral treatment. Early antiviral treatment (within 48 hours) can be given to people with flu to reduce secondary complications, to shorten the duration of illness and to reduce the severity of flu, even in vaccinated individuals who develop flu. It can also be given as post exposure prophylaxis in high risk patients.