ReCOMmendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of inFLUenza in adults for Primary care physiciAnS: FLU COMPAS PCP - ADULTS.

Influenza is an acute infectious disease of viral etiology which, unlike the common cold, can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, inflammation of the kidneys, nervous system, and muscles, and even death. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing influenza and should be recommended to everyone over six months of age, with particular emphasis on risk groups. When the symptoms of influenza occur, the only drugs recommended for curative treatment are neuraminidase inhibitors (of which only oseltamivir is available in Poland). Influenza diagnosis of should be made during the epidemic season based on clinical signs. Only curative treatment should be employed in risk groups. Treatment should not be delayed in order to wait for the results of tests confirming infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]