What medication is used to decrease the duration of influenza A and B?

Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication that belongs to a class known as neuraminidase inhibitors. It is specifically designed to target influenza A and B viruses, inhibiting their ability to replicate and spread in the body. By acting on the neuraminidase enzyme, oseltamivir prevents the release of new viral particles from infected cells, which decreases the duration of illness when administered early in the infection process.

Although other medications, like baloxavir marboxil and zanamivir, also treat influenza, oseltamivir is most well-known for its effectiveness in reducing the duration of symptoms when taken within the first couple of days of onset. Ribavirin, on the other hand, is primarily used for other viral infections and is not indicated for influenza. Thus, oseltamivir stands out for its specific application in managing influenza infections effectively.