Kansas City,
05
November
2018
|
11:07 AM
America/Chicago

KMBC 9: New drug could help cut down on length, severity of flu

By Emily Welsh

Now a new drug just approved by the FDA promises to cut down the length and severity of the flu.

Xofluza is the first new flu treatment on the market in two decades.

“So a lot of excitement around it to have a new drug after 20 years is great news,” said Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Children's Mercy.

You just take it one time, as soon as you have symptoms. It can cut down the flu's duration by a day and a half and make it less contagious.

Despite the benefits, she says there are some downsides.

“It can’t be used in children under the age of 12. It's not been studied in pregnant women or individuals with underlying health conditions that place them at increased risk for influenza complications,” Jackson said.

“It's not going to be the answer to flu. Influenza vaccine still takes front and center at this point,” she said.

 

Read the full story via KMBC 9

Learn more about the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Mercy