GPs can now prescribe antivirals for flu as cases rise sharply

GPs can now prescribe antivirals for high-risk patients with flu, following a sharp increase in cases. 

Last week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that flu cases had seen their ‘sharpest’ increase so far this winter. 

Latest NHS data shows that the number of patients in hospital with flu has jumped from an average of 402 patients a day last week to 648 patients per day – and this is four times the figure at the end of November.

The Government’s chief medical officer and chief pharmaceutical officer have therefore accepted the UKHSA’s recommendation to authorise prescription of antiviral medicines in primary care. 

This means GPs can now prescribe antivirals for those in clinical at-risk groups and those at risk of severe illness and complications from flu if not treated.

The update was communicated to GPs and community pharmacies in England via an alert on the NHS central alerting system.

According to the alert, GPs can now prescribe oseltamivir and zanamivir ‘for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza at NHS expense’, which is in line with NICE guidance. 

UKHSA data for the week 4 to 10 December showed a ‘notable increase’ in influenza positivity from 2.4% in the previous week to 5.6%. 

And data from primary care showed that influenza-like-illness consultations had risen from 4.6 per 100,000 to 5.3 per 100,000. 

This had an impact on hospitals, where emergency department attendances rose across the country, as well as ICU admissions. 

The Government has also urged people to come forward for flu vaccination – those eligible include at-risk groups, pregnant women, and people aged 65 and over. 

For antivirals, the Department of Health and Social Care has said it is working ‘closely’ with manufacturers to ensure supplies are sufficient to meet demand. 

Director for immunisation and programmes at UKHSA Dr Mary Ramsay said flu antivirals are ‘effective in helping to keep people out of hospital’. 

‘Now that we are seeing flu increasing it’s important that GPs consider the possibility of flu in respiratory patients and the use of antivirals in line with national guidance, particularly if they have ruled out COVID-19,’ she added. 

Health minister Maria Caulfield said: ‘Authorising the use of antivirals indicates that flu is reaching more serious levels so it is important that we take care. 

‘I’d encourage anyone eligible who is yet to come forward for the vaccine to book an appointment and get protected as soon as possible.

‘These additional tools will help us relieve the pressure on our NHS as they cope with the busy Christmas and New Year periods and will provide extra protection not just for you but also for your loved ones.’

UKHSA recently warned that hospital admission rates for flu and Covid are more than two times higher for people living in deprived areas. 

The authorisation for GPs to prescribe antivirals for flu is in line with the directive last December when flu cases began to rise.

For Covid-19, the BMA advised GPs in June not to agree to prescribing duties for treatments unless as ‘part of an appropriate commissioned service’. 

Last week, the Government’s long-awaited vaccination strategy suggested procurement of the adult flu vaccine could be centralised, a process which is currently down to each GP practice.