Work

Appropriateness of antiviral prescribing for influenza in ambulatory care: A retrospective analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Problem considered In order to prevent antiviral resistance and lessen influenza-related complications oseltamivir must be used promptly and appropriately. However, evidence suggests that oseltamivir is still under-prescribed in high-risk ambulatory care populations. This raises the need to evaluate prescribing patterns and determine adherence to established evidence-based recommendations. Methods This retrospective study included 196 ambulatory patients prescribed oseltamivir between January and December 2023. Data, including demographics, clinical indication, therapy duration, dosing, PCR results, vaccination status, comorbidities, and concurrent antibiotic use, were extracted from charts. Appropriateness of prescribing was evaluated based on the Infectious Diseases Society of America stewardship guidelines. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results Of the 196 patients prescribed oseltamivir, 65.3% were aged ≤15 years, and 51% were female. Influenza PCR was performed in 45.4% of patients, with 28.1% testing positive for Influenza A. Only 11.7% had received a flu vaccine in the past year; 7 of 23 vaccinated patients were diagnosed with influenza. Fever occurred in 70.4% of cases, and 21.4% had comorbidities, 42.8% of whom were asthmatic. Oseltamivir was prescribed every 12 hours in 99% of the patients, with 97% receiving a 5-day course. A hospital revisit was required in 18% of the patients. Conclusion These findings emphasize a substantial influenza burden among ambulatory patients and highlight gaps in diagnostic testing and vaccination acceptance. Oseltamivir was appropriately prescribed in most patients. Further research on diversifying testing protocols, expanding vaccine coverage, and regional influenza epidemiology is needed to inform clinical and public health practice.

Source: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2026.102353