Oseltamivir: what is the real meaning of the use in the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection?

Introduction: One of the main etiological agents of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection is the Influenza A H1N1/2009 virus. Early antiviral treatment (<48 hours) is indicated for such cases.  Objectives: To analyze the profile of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection, aiming to allow the development of screening procedures in cases of suspected Influenza A H1N1/2009 virus cases and tailor the use of antiviral agents.  Methods: Descriptive study carried out through the analysis of government notification files that were filled out at Hospital Santa Cruz, Brazil, in 2012.  Results: Of the 64 cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection, 41 (64.1%) were males. The most affected age group was children younger than four years (56.0%). Having a comorbidity was the most prevalent factor (34.4%). The most common symptoms were cough, fever and dyspnea. The four confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1/2009 virus were established in patients older than 50 years. Oseltamivir was prescribed to 84.4% of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection and 100% of patients with Influenza A H1N1/2009 virus.  Conclusion: It was observed that in the majority of cases there was no confirmation of the pandemic strain, which led to an overvaluation of the diagnosis and antiviral indications. Therefore, the results demonstrate the lack of a rapid test to optimize therapy.