JAMA Netw Open

Flu deaths drop with early oseltamivir, study shows

June 13, 2025

Study details: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from hospitalized adults with laboratory-confirmed seasonal influenza across multiple flu seasons. Researchers compared outcomes between patients who received oseltamivir within two days of admission and those who received supportive care alone. Propensity score weighting was used to balance baseline characteristics.

Results: Among over 11,000 hospitalized influenza patients (mean age, 72.6 years), those treated with oseltamivir had lower in-hospital mortality (3.5% vs. 4.9%; 95% confidence interval, -2.8% to -0.9%; P <.001) and were more likely to be discharged alive (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.20; P < .001). Readmission rates were also modestly lower in the oseltamivir group (8.5% vs. 9.8%; 95% CI, -2.8% to -0.2%; P = .02).

Clinical impact: These findings support early initiation of oseltamivir in hospitalized patients with influenza, reinforcing current guidelines and addressing prior uncertainty about its benefit in severe cases. Prompt antiviral therapy may improve survival and reduce healthcare burden during flu seasons.

Source:

Bai AD, et al. (2025, June 2). JAMA Netw Open. Oseltamivir Treatment vs Supportive Care for Seasonal Influenza Requiring Hospitalization. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40493366/