"Watch for Abnormal Behavior After Taking Flu Medication"

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 30th that it will provide information for the safe use of influenza (flu) treatments as the flu season approaches.

Flu treatments are classified by administration route into oral medications (containing oseltamivir and baloxavir), inhalants (containing zanamivir), and injections (containing peramivir).

Since the influenza virus multiplies within 72 hours after infection, medication should be administered within 48 hours of initial symptom onset or contact with an infected person. Among oral medications, oseltamivir and inhalants are taken twice daily for five days, while baloxavir oral medication and injections are administered as a single dose.

Flu treatments require caution as they can cause neuropsychiatric adverse reactions such as seizures and delirium, especially in children and adolescents. There have been reported cases of abnormal behaviors such as falls. However, similar cases have also been observed in flu patients who did not take the medication, so it has not been clearly established whether the drugs are the cause.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety urged, "Caregivers of flu patients should stay with the patient for at least two days regardless of treatment, lock windows, balconies, and front doors, and monitor for any abnormal behavior."