Pharmacotherapy for acute respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses: current possibilities

Abstract

Routinely the influenza virus significantly contributes to the formation of the annual incidence of acute respiratory infections, with a peak in winter season. The high level of mutagenic potential of influenza viruses is a standard factor determining the complexity of the rational choice of pharmacotherapy. The upcoming epidemiological season 20202021 brings additional challenges for health care practitioners mediated by the widespread prevalence in the human population of a new infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus affecting the respiratory system among many organs and systems. An adequate choice of pharmacotherapy tools should be based on high efficiency and safety of drugs, with a possible reduction in such negative factors as polypharmacy. This review includes comparative pharmacological characteristics of drugs with activity against RNA viruses, along with parameters of their clinical efficacy.

Keywords

• influenza virus
• covid-19
• neuraminidase inhibitors
• baloxavir
• favipiravir
• umifenovir
• ingavirin
• enisamium iodide