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Key takeaways
Antiviral drug prescriptions, making up 19.1% of SingleCare prescriptions in February, see a significant increase during this month, likely due to the peak of flu season.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is the most prescribed antiviral in February for treating acute influenza in patients two weeks of age and older, due to heightened flu activity.
Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are prescribed for infections caused by herpes viruses, such as cold sores, genital herpes, or shingles. There is an increase in demand for these medications during the winter months due to factors that weaken the immune system, such as cold weather, illness, and stress.
Practicing good flu hygiene by frequently washing hands and avoiding touching the face, as well as maintaining a strong immune system through adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and consistent exercise, are recommended to avoid the need for antiviral medications.
Valentine’s chocolates, flowers, and tax software—these are just a few of the things U.S. consumers shop for in February.
What’s also popular? Antiviral drugs that help the body fight off illness caused by viruses. Prescriptions for these medications make up 19.1% of prescriptions filled with SingleCare in February. That’s compared to only 12.7% in January, and 13.36% in March, according to SingleCare data.
The most prescribed antiviral drugs are:
Though they’re in the same drug class, they treat different conditions, namely influenza and herpes.
Oseltamivir phosphate, aka Tamiflu
Oseltamivir, commonly known by its brand name, Tamiflu, “is an oral antiviral drug approved for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza in patients two weeks of age and older whose flu symptoms have not lasted more than two days,” says Laren Tan, MD, an internal medicine physician at Loma Linda University Health.
These medications are commonly prescribed during flu season. It makes sense that these prescriptions spike in February, just as flu season peaks. “The increase in antiviral prescription follows the historical flu season, although the peak months may vary depending where you are in the U.S.” Dr. Tan says.
“The uptick in what is seen is very likely due to awareness that antibiotics do not treat viral infections and also the more readily rapid flu diagnostic testing available,” Dr. Tan explains. “This can be done in clinics and thus patients are able to receive appropriate therapy in a timely fashion.” In other words, when you find out you have the flu quickly, your healthcare provider is more likely to prescribe oseltamivir to treat it.
RELATED: Tamiflu vs. Xofluza
Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir
Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir treat infections caused by herpes viruses such as genital herpes or cold sores (herpes simplex) and shingles (herpes zoster). There’s an “association of herpes outbreaks and shingles during winter time, which makes sense based on the science of these diseases,” says Amir Nasseri, MD, an OB-GYN at Her Choice Clinic.
There are certain circumstances that can bring on a flare-up of symptoms. “Usually our cells, aided by our immune system help to keep the virus in check, and it stays dormant,” explains Dr. Nasseri. “If anything upsets that balance and weakens the immune system then the virus may get the upper hand … and cause an outbreak. Therefore, anything that makes the immune system weak puts the person at risk of an outbreak.” The post-holiday season is full of factors that could make your immune system weaker than normal.
According to Dr. Nasseri, the factors most likely to increase susceptibility to infections during winter months include:
- Cold weather, as low temperature is related to lower effectiveness of the immune system
- Stress, because it taxes the immune system
- Lack of exercise, which may affect how well the immune system fights infection
- Any illness—including cold and flu—that makes the immune system less effective at keeping the herpes virus in check
“I treat many patients for herpes, and I have a higher demand for treatment during winter months,” says Dr. Nasseri. But Amesh A. Adalja, MD, senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, disagrees: “I don’t believe there is any evidence of a winter seasonality for herpes simplex or herpes zoster,” he says.
However, “Increased psychosocial stress is a well-recognized risk factor for herpes virus reactivation as it may modulate the immune system,” explains Dr. Adalja.
The bottom line: It’s not guaranteed that peak flu season will overlap with spikes in acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir prescriptions every year. But if you’re feeling particularly overextended, or fighting off a bad sickness, it could make an underlying herpes infection spring back to life.
How can you avoid needing antivirals this month?
Practice good flu hygiene and avoid getting run down. Wash your hands throughout the day, and avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth—especially while out in public.
“Another big factor that is largely underestimated is the importance of a strong immune system to fight off viruses as much as possible,” says Tara Allen, RN, a certified health coach. “Paying attention to getting adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, consistent exercise, and time to relax is all paramount for building the most robust immune system.”
When your body’s healthy, it has a better chance of staving off viruses—whether it’s the flu, cold sores, or shingles.