Slowing the Spread of the Influenza Virus and Managing Symptoms: Considerations for Managed Care Professionals

On-Demand 1.5-hour Accredited Webcast

This activity is supported by an educational grant from
Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

Faculty Presenters

Donald Klepser, PhD, MBA
Professor
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
University of Nebraska Medical Center
College of Pharmacy
Omaha, Nebraska

James S. Lewis II, PharmD, FIDSA
Associate Professor
Departments of Pharmacy and Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon

Program Description
Influenza is perceived as one of the most common infectious respiratory diseases, with outbreaks and epidemics occurring worldwide. Symptoms can range from mild fatigue to respiratory failure requiring hospitalization in higher risk populations. Pharmacists and clinicians need to be able to identify these patient populations and prepared to address their concerns about exposure. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that pharmacists are familiar with differentiating signs and symptoms of influenza from COVID-19. Managed care and specialty pharmacists must be up-to-date with expanded indications for use of antiviral medications to ensure guideline recommendations for use of antivirals are followed. Early intervention with antivirals has potential public health benefits, including minimizing direct and indirect costs for patients and the health care system as well as lessening duration and severity of influenza symptoms, thus improving overall patient outcomes.

Target Audience: Managed care and specialty pharmacists
Type of Activity: Application
Release date: May 18, 2021
Expiration date: May 18, 2022
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Examine the pathophysiology, epidemiology, complications, and cost burden associated with the influenza virus
Identify patient populations that are at higher risk for contracting influenza
Analyze the most current clinical efficacy and safety data for the 2020-2021 season recommended influenza antivirals including data for expanded indications
Distinguish the role of the managed care professional in reducing the economic burden of the influenza virus with early intervention with antivirals

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-215-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through May 18, 2022.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the webcast in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Donald Klepser, PhD, MBA, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Grant/Research Support: Genentech, Janssen R&D
Consultant: Genentech, Roche Diagnostics, Diasorin

James S. Lewis II, PharmD, FIDSA, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff – Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Michelle C. Carlson, PharmD, RPh; Kelly McCormick; Susan Pordon; and Brianna Winters have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Anonymous peer reviewers are used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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