The Ministry of Health recommended antiviral treatment with oseltamivir, better known as Tamiflu, after confirming the discovery of three cases of influenza A (H3N2) subclass K in Argentina.
In it National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN), published this week, reported that the antiviral could be a Auxiliary tool for vaccination, especially in People with comorbidities.
“Although greatest effectiveness is seen when administered within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, there is evidence to support this has advantages “Even with treatments started later in patients with serious illness,” he explained.
And he claimed: “Various studies have shown that its use in outpatients with a high risk of complications is useful.” is accompanied by a shortening of the duration of symptoms and in the occurrence of complications. In hospitalized patients with severe influenza, a Shortening the length of hospital stay and in the risk of mortality, particularly if treatment is started within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, although in severe or progressive cases benefits may also be seen if it is started later.”
However, he clarified this Indiscriminate drug use can lead to resistance and then no longer have any effect on the body.
The BEN also warned that the Malbrán Institute “has not detected an increase in strains resistant to this antiviral among viruses in circulation” in the country in 2024. And that “one should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza to make decisions about initiating treatment with antiviral medications.”
The National Administration of Laboratories and Health Institutes (ANLIS) “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán” confirmed the discovery of three cases of influenza A (H3N2) corresponding to subclass K in Argentina. These are the first local detections of this variant, which has become dominant in several countries in the Northern Hemisphere in recent months and is associated with higher transmissibility of the virus.
The cases were identified by the National Network of Laboratories and Sentinel Units and confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory of INEI-ANLIS through genome sequencing techniques.
According to health authorities, these are two teenagers from the province of Santa Cruz who were examined as part of the Ambulatory Surveillance Strategy for Acute Respiratory Infections and a child who was admitted to a hospital in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. In all cases the patients progressed without complications. Officials did not say whether any of those affected had a recent travel history.
The jurisdictions involved have already begun this process relevant epidemiological studies and are responsible for ensuring timely treatment of discovered cases. According to the latest integrated surveillance report, the prevalence of influenza and other respiratory viruses has increased in the country remains within the expected values for the time of year.
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