Final answer:
New influenza drugs like neuraminidase inhibitors, such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir, decrease symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu. They inhibit a viral surface enzyme necessary for virus propagation. Due to influenza's rapid mutation, new vaccines are developed annually.
Step-by-step explanation:
New influenza drugs, such as neuraminidase inhibitors, are used to limit the duration of influenza infections. Specifically, they target the influenza virus by inhibiting a surface enzyme called neuraminidase, necessary for the release of new viruses from infected cells. This group includes zanamivir (inhaled), oseltamivir (oral), and peramivir (intravenous). These drugs can shorten the duration of the flu and decrease symptoms. Additionally, new influenza vaccines are developed annually due to the rapid mutation of the influenza virus through antigenic drift and shift, aiming to be effective against the expected dominant strains.