Methodology: 3/5
Usefulness: 3/5
Butler CC, et al. Lancet. 2020 Jan 4;395(10217):42-52.
Editorial: Neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza-like illness in primary care.
Question and Methods: This was a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of 3266 patients, where patients were randomised to either usual care or usual care with oseltamivir.
Findings: Symptom duration decreased by 1.02 days; in older patients, more severe illness, or longer illness duration, it was 2.30-3.20 days. This, even in influenza negative patients.
Limitations: The major limitations were that it was an open-label study and overall vaccination rates were low.
Interpretation: Oseltamivir can improve duration to resolution of symptoms, with a greater absolute benefit in higher risk groups like elderly patients, more severe illness, or longer duration of symptoms.
