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NEW: 2020-2021 Flu Testing and Treatment

Date: 09/25/20

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths each year in the U.S. The best way to protect against the flu is with an annual flu vaccine.

Superior Medicaid (STAR, STAR Health, STAR Kids, STAR+PLUS), CHIP and CHIP Perinate members 7 years of age and older have the option to obtain their vaccine at a participating pharmacy in addition to their medical provider. The vaccination is also available to Allwell from Superior HealthPlan, Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan and STAR+PLUS Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) members, if provided by a participating pharmacy and/or medical provider licensed to administer the vaccine. Please encourage your patients to seek their flu immunization in a timely manner this fall.

The flu is generally acutely debilitating but self-limiting in the general population. When a patient shows signs of the flu, providers must determine if testing and treatment with antivirals is necessary.

The CDC has issued the 2020-2021 recommendations and guidelines for the diagnosis of seasonal flu. To obtain more information, please visit the CDC Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions webpage.

Influenza Testing Recommendations

Please note: The infographic above can be found on the CDC website.

Recommended Dosage and Duration of Treatment or Prophylaxis for Influenza

One of the most popular antiviral therapies for influenza is Tamiflu®. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tamiflu® should only be considered in the first 2 days of symptoms. This is when the medication will be most effective, because viral shedding peaks at 24 to 48 hours of illness and then rapidly declines.

  • Oseltamivir is  the generic for Tamiflu ®.
  • Tamiflu® is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in patients 1 year of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.
  • Tamiflu® does not cure the flu. It may only help shorten the duration of the flu if used properly.
  • Efficacy of Tamiflu® has not been established for patients who begin treatment after 48 hours of symptoms. This is due to the above noted viral shedding window having already occurred, likely limiting the efficacy of the product.
  • Tamiflu® is not a substitute for early influenza vaccination on an annual basis, as recommended by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
  • Emergence of resistant mutations could decrease drug effectiveness. Consider the available information on influenza drug susceptibility patterns and treatment effects when determining treatment in your region.
  • Prophylaxis with antiviral medication is not generally recommended by the CDC, but may be considered in certain people, when exposed to another individual with influenza, if the person is at very high risk for influenza complications or has severe immune deficiency and therapy is initiated within 48 hours of exposure.

Another option for treating influenza is Xofluza™. The FDA suggests considering Xofluza™ in the first 2 days of symptoms when the medication will be most effective, because viral shedding peaks at 24 to 48 hours of illness and then rapidly declines. This medication is similar to Tamiflu®, but is a single dose regimen rather than a multi-day treatment. Additionally, this drug is only indicated for the treatment of influenza and not prophylaxis.

  • Xofluza™ is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in patients 12 years of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours.
  • Xofluza™ does not cure the flu. It only helps to possibly shorten the duration of the flu if used properly.
  • Dosage and administration:
    • Patients weighing between 40 kg and 80 kg should receive a single dose of 40 mg.
    • Patients weighing 80 kg or more should receive a single dose of 80 mg.
  • Safety and efficacy of Xofluza™ in patients 12 years of age or younger, or who weigh less than 40 kg, have not been established.

For more information regarding high-risk individuals, reminders and recommendations for oral antiviral flu prevention and Tamiflu® and Xofluza™ dosing, please review the Oral Antiviral Flu Prevention and Treatment Dosing Information (PDF).

For CDC recommended dosage and duration, please visit the CDC Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians webpage.

For any questions related to flu treatment, medications, recommendations or guidelines, please contact Superior’s Pharmacy Department at 1-800-218-7453, ext. 22080.