TY - JOUR
T1 - Preventing influenza
T2 - an overview of systematic reviews
AU - van der Wouden, J C
AU - Bueving, H J
AU - Poole, P
PY - 2005/11
Y1 - 2005/11
N2 - BACKGROUND: Many options are available for preventing people from getting infected by influenza virus, with vaccination being the most widely used.METHODS: We assessed the evidence available in Cochrane systematic reviews. We found nine reviews, five of them addressing influenza vaccination, and four addressing medication.RESULTS: Vaccination is effective in healthy adults and children, but the effect is modest in adults, and for young children few data are available. In patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis, more evidence is needed to determine effectiveness. Vaccination does not result in exacerbation of asthma. Neuraminidase inhibitors may also have a place in limiting the spread of infection, at least in adults. Amantadine and rimantadine seem effective but have unfavourable adverse-effect profiles. The popularity of homoeopathic Oscillococcinum, especially in France, is not supported by current evidence.CONCLUSION: In many areas, more clinical trials are needed, as the current evidence is inconclusive. Furthermore, several other measures that may be helpful in preventing influenza that have not been addressed in Cochrane reviews.
AB - BACKGROUND: Many options are available for preventing people from getting infected by influenza virus, with vaccination being the most widely used.METHODS: We assessed the evidence available in Cochrane systematic reviews. We found nine reviews, five of them addressing influenza vaccination, and four addressing medication.RESULTS: Vaccination is effective in healthy adults and children, but the effect is modest in adults, and for young children few data are available. In patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis, more evidence is needed to determine effectiveness. Vaccination does not result in exacerbation of asthma. Neuraminidase inhibitors may also have a place in limiting the spread of infection, at least in adults. Amantadine and rimantadine seem effective but have unfavourable adverse-effect profiles. The popularity of homoeopathic Oscillococcinum, especially in France, is not supported by current evidence.CONCLUSION: In many areas, more clinical trials are needed, as the current evidence is inconclusive. Furthermore, several other measures that may be helpful in preventing influenza that have not been addressed in Cochrane reviews.
KW - Adult
KW - Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
KW - Child
KW - Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use
KW - Female
KW - Homeopathy
KW - Humans
KW - Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
KW - Influenza, Human/prevention & control
KW - Lung Diseases, Obstructive/complications
KW - Male
KW - Neuraminidase/antagonists & inhibitors
KW - Pregnancy
KW - Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
U2 - 10.1016/j.rmed.2005.07.001
DO - 10.1016/j.rmed.2005.07.001
M3 - Review article
C2 - 16112852
VL - 99
SP - 1341
EP - 1349
JO - Respiratory Medicine
JF - Respiratory Medicine
SN - 0954-6111
IS - 11
ER -