How to use antiviral drugs when “H1N1” is coming in full force?

"H1N1" is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza A virus, which is mainly transmitted through droplets and often occurs in winter and spring. Its common symptoms are sudden high fever (39℃-40℃), which can last for 3-5 days, accompanied by headache, body aches, and respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose.

With the recent high incidence of influenza A, antiviral drugs have attracted much attention from patients. The outpatient clinic has also received many inquiries about the drugs of mabaloxavir and oseltamivir. Below we will explain the common confusions in detail.

Q: Is a single dose of mabaloxavir enough?

Yes! According to the instructions, taking Mabaloxavir once is enough. Generally speaking, the frequency of taking medicine is affected by the nature of the medicine itself. After taking Mabaloxavir, it maintains an effective dose in the body for nearly 4 days. Since the symptoms of "H1N1" are obvious in 3-5 days, it is generally sufficient to take it once.

Q: Are there any precautions when taking Mabaloxavir?

Generally, a single dose of Mabaloxavir tablets is taken within 48 hours after the onset of influenza A symptoms. However, be careful not to take milk, yogurt, calcium-fortified beverages, stomach medicines, health products and nutritional supplements with words such as calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium or zinc in their names when taking this medicine. This is because the metal ions in food or medicine may combine with Mabaloxavir, reducing the absorption of Mabaloxavir in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby affecting the efficacy of the medicine.

Question: Which one is better, oseltamivir or mabaloxavir?

Both drugs can fight viruses, but they are different in terms of the population, usage and dosage. Mabaloxavir is suitable for the treatment of influenza in adults and children aged 5 years and above (weight ≥ 20kg). If the weight is between 20kg-80kg, take 40mg at a time; if the weight is 80kg and above, take 80mg at a time. Generally, one dose is enough for the whole course.

Oseltamivir is suitable for the treatment of influenza in adults and children aged 1 year and above. Adults need to take 75 mg each time, twice a day, for a total of 5 days; children (weight ≤ 40 kg) need to adjust the dose according to their weight. Take it within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. In addition, oseltamivir can also be used to prevent influenza A and B in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and above, and can be taken 75 mg per day for 10 consecutive days.

Q: Can Mabaloxavir prevent influenza A?

According to the drug instructions, Mabaloxavir has no effect in preventing "H1N1", while Oseltamivir can be used to prevent H1N1 and is available for young children; the advantage of Mabaloxavir is that it only needs to be taken once, which is more convenient. However, whether it is prevention or treatment, you must follow the doctor's advice and should not choose and take medicine at will to avoid unnecessary waste and adverse consequences.

Q: Are there any adverse reactions to taking Mabaloxavir?

Mabaloxavir is an antiviral drug that has been confirmed by evidence-based medicine and has relatively few adverse reactions. Gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting may occur after taking it, but most people can relieve it on their own. However, due to individual differences, some patients may experience allergies after taking the medicine, such as urticaria, edema, etc., so pay attention to observation after taking the medicine. If you feel like you have had an allergic reaction, seek medical treatment in time. Special reminder: If you have had a severe allergic reaction to the drug before, you must not take it again.

Of course, not everyone who has contracted the influenza A virus must use antiviral drugs. Most people’s symptoms will improve on their own after 3-5 days. However, for those who have been diagnosed with the influenza A virus and are suitable for antiviral drugs, if their immunity is poor, they can take them as soon as possible after infection according to the doctor’s advice.

Finally, we still want to remind everyone to strengthen their immunity by washing hands frequently, wearing masks, gathering less, exercising more, staying up less late, and eating a balanced diet. Let the H1N1 flu "retreat! Retreat! Retreat!".