They challenge the evidence base used by the CDC to make recommendation on the use of Oseltamivir and their lack of transparency.

Tamiflu For All? Evidence Of Morbidity In CDC’s Antiviral Guidelines.

Peter Doshi, Kenneth Mandl, and Florence Bourgeois. March 31, 2016

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has boiled down its public health campaign against influenza to a single slogan: “Take 3.” Vaccines, everyday preventive actions like handwashing, and influenza antivirals.

Last year, because of a mismatch between the vaccine and circulating virus, the message was reduced to—essentially—“Take 1,” as the CDC emphatically promoted oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for treating disease. The agency has stated: “Antiviral flu medicines are underutilized. If you get them early, they could keep you out of the hospital and might even save your life.”

The CDC is one of the nation’s most powerful voices when it comes to public health recommendations. That’s why it’s so important that its advice be scientifically sound and independently derived. Unfortunately, the CDC’s advice on Tamiflu is neither. Here we explain why — and offer suggestions for what to do about it. Read More