For a patient at high risk of complications from influenza, what does the IDSA recommend during the influenza season?

The recommendation for patients at high risk of complications from influenza during the influenza season focuses on pre-exposure influenza antiviral prophylaxis. This approach is considered effective in preventing influenza infection in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, or individuals who are immunocompromised.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis involves the administration of antiviral medications before the virus is encountered, providing a protective effect against influenza infection. This strategy is especially crucial for high-risk patients, as they are more likely to experience severe illness, hospitalization, or even mortality if they contract the virus. By using antiviral medications as a preventive measure during the flu season, healthcare providers aim to reduce the incidence of influenza and its associated complications in these patients.

Other options, such as postexposure prophylaxis, generally apply after a known exposure to the virus and are not as effective as pre-exposure methods for preventing illness upfront. Weekly rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) are not a preventive measure, but rather a means of confirming infection after it occurs, and dual agents for antiviral chemoprophylaxis is not a standard recommendation, as antiviral strategies typically focus on using one effective agent. Thus, pre-exposure antiviral prophylaxis aligns with current guidelines aimed at protecting high-risk individuals