[Emergency prevention of influenza with remantadin].

Prophylactic efficacy of remantadin was studied during influenza epidemics caused by types A (H3N2) and B viruses. More than 15,000 persons were observed. Daily administration of remantadin ensured a decrease in influenza A (but not influenza B) morbidity 1.5-4.5 times in different groups (planned prophylaxis) and 6.5-10.3 times in family foci (focal prophylaxis). The protective effect of remantadin is mainly due to its capacity of suppressing the toxic manifestations of influenza infection, which is accompanied by a decrease in the frequency and duration of clinically pronounced disease and an increase in the proportion of asymptomatic forms.