[Criteria for the use of anti-influenza agents].

: Amantadine was used from 1998, and two kinds of neuraminidase inhibitors from 2001, in Japan. These anti-influenza agents were recommended to use within 48 hours after the onset of influenza. Because proliferation of influenza virus reaches to peak after two days of the virus infection and the incubation period is only 24 hours. The patients who are after two days of the onset should be treated by only anti-symptomatic therapies.