A 32-year-old woman who is 28 weeks pregnant presents to urgent care with a temperature of 39.2°C (102.5°F), cough, sore throat, and myalgia. She reports that her symptoms started 36 hours earlier. A rapid COVID-19 test is negative and a rapid RT-PCR test for influenza is positive. Local strain-specific epidemiologic data on influenza are not yet available.
Which antiviral medication (if any) should be prescribed for this patient?
A. Oseltamivir
B. Baloxavir marboxil
C. Amantadine
D. An antiviral is not recommended
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Answer: A. Pregnant people are at higher risk for severe course of disease from influenza, so antiviral treatment is indicated for confirmed or suspected influenza in these patients. Oral oseltamivir is the antiviral treatment recommended by the CDC for pregnant people or people who are up to 2 weeks postpartum. Although the evidence is not robust, several studies have found that oral oseltamivir is safe and effective for this patient group.
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Last Updated on January 26, 2023
