Targeted vs. systematic early antiviral treatment against A(H1N1)v influenza with neuraminidase inhibitors in patients with influenza-like symptoms: clinical and economic impact.

Capitalizing on available data, we used a decision model to estimate the clinical and economic outcomes associated with early initiation of treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors in all patients with influenza-like illnesses ( ILI ) (systematic strategy) vs. only those at high risk of complications (targeted strategy). Systematic treatment of ILI during an A(H1N1)v influenza epidemic wave is both effective and cost-effective. Patients who present to care with ILI during an A(H1N1)v influenza epidemic wave should initiate treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors, regardless of risk status. Administering neuraminidase inhibitors between epidemic waves, when the probability of influenza is low, is less effective and cost-effective.