Cochrane Influenza Resources: evidence from Cochrane reviews
The Cochrane Reviews listed below have summarized data about the benefits and harms of several interventions for preventing and treating influenza. These comprehensive reviews provide valuable information for patients, doctors, and healthcare decision-makers about what steps to take or interventions to use to prevent influenza or aid its treatment.
Drugs, including neuraminidase inhibitors (commonly known as Relenza and Tamiflu)
Amantadine and rimantadine for influenza A in children and the elderly
A review of amantadine (commonly known as Symmetrel or Symadine) and rimantadine (commonly known as Flumadine) to prevent and treat influenza in two vulnerable age groups – children and the elderly. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Amantadine and rimantadine for influenza A in adults
A review of amantadine (commonly known as Symmetrel) and rimantadine (commonly known as Flumadine) to prevent and treat influenza in healthy adults. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Neuraminidase inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children
A review of zanamivir and oseltamivir, two neuraminidase inhibitors commonly known as Relenza and Tamiflu, to prevent and treat influenza in children. [Download PDF] [Español PDF] [Deutsch Laienverständliche Zusammenfassung]
Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults
A review of zanamivir and oseltamivir, two neuraminidase inhibitors commonly known as Relenza and Tamiflu, to prevent and treat influenza in healthy adults. [Download PDF] [Español PDF] [Deutsch Laienverständliche Zusammenfassung]
Preventing Influenza: Physical methods (e.g. hand washing) & Vaccines
Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses
A review of hand washing and other methods to stop or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, including the influenza vaccine. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy children
A review of vaccines for preventing influenza in children. Children, along with people over the age of 65 years, are at a greater risk of complications from influenza. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Link to Podcast Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly
A review of vaccines for preventing influenza in children. People over the age of 65, along with children, are at a greater risk of complications from influenza. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Link to Podcast Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers who work with the elderly
Healthcare workers have substantial rates of clinical and sub-clinical influenza during influenza seasons and may transmit influenza to those in their care, especially the elderly. This review looks at the benefits and harms of vaccinating healthcare workers against influenza. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Vaccines for preventing influenza in people with asthma
People with asthma may benefit from an influenza vaccine since influenza may exacerbate asthma, but the vaccine may adversely affect lung function. This review examines the evidence on the benefits and harms of using influenza vaccines in people with asthma. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Influenza vaccine for children and adults with bronchiectasis
A review of the benefits and harms of the influenza vaccine for people with bronchiectasis, an obstructive lung disease that causes productive or wet cough, shortness of breath on exertion, and presence of other respiratory signs. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Influenza vaccine for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Influenza infection causes excess morbidity and mortality in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but there is also the potential for influenza vaccination to cause adverse effects or not to be cost effective. This review looks at the benefits and harms of the influenza vaccine for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Vaccines for preventing influenza in people with cystic fibrosis
Viral respiratory tract infections in people with cystic fibrosis have a deteriorating effect on their lung function and disease progression, and annual influenza vaccination is therefore commonly recommended for people with cystic fibrosis. This review looks at the effectiveness of influenza vaccines for people with cystic fibrosis. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Link to Podcast Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults
A review of the different types of influenza vaccines for healthy adults. [Download PDF]
PowerPoint presentation to accompany this review. Slide 1 puts the review findings into context, and slides 2 to 4 present data from the review in different formats (slides 2 and 3 present the same data). The slides show (1) incidence of influenza-like illness and influenza; (2) the number needed to vaccinate in standard "real world" conditions (vaccine partially completely matching circulating virus); (3) risk difference (vaccine partially completely matching circulating virus); and (4) risk difference in ideal conditions (vaccine completely matching circulating virus).
Other treatments
Chinese medicinal herbs for influenza
A review of Chinese medicinal herbs (including natural herbs and herbal products extracted from natural herbs) for preventing and treating influenza. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
Advising patients to increase fluid intake for treating acute respiratory infections
A review about the benefits and harms of increased fluid intake as a treatment for acute respiratory infections. [Download PDF] [Español PDF]
