Final answer:
Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir are important for tertiary prevention of influenza by inhibiting the spread of the virus. Administered quickly after symptom onset, they can reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms. Vaccination, however, remains the most effective method for influenza control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab) are crucial in the tertiary prevention of influenza. These drugs function by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme, which in turn prevents the release of new influenza virions from infected cells, thereby limiting the spread of the virus. Administering these antivirals within 48 hours of symptom onset can decrease the duration and severity of flu symptoms. Oseltamivir is taken orally, zanamivir is inhaled, and peramivir is given intravenously. Despite these treatments, vaccines remain the most effective means for controlling influenza outbreaks.
Each year, vaccines are developed based on predictions about which influenza strains will be most prevalent in the upcoming season. Vaccine effectiveness has varied, but on average, recent influenza vaccines have had an effectiveness rate of about 50%.