A recent study by University of Michigan researchers on the efficacy of an antiviral drug, baloxavir, in preventing transmission of influenza found that a single-dose treatment with the drug led to a significantly reduced transmission of influenza to close contacts. Published April 23 in the New England Journal of Medicine , the study analyzed the effect of baloxavir use specifically within households.

Using a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, the study included 1,457 influenza-positive patients and 2,681 household contacts across 15 countries and ranging in age from five to 64 years old. By day 5, transmission of influenza was reduced using baloxavir by approximately 30% compared with a placebo.

In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Arnold Monto, professor emeritus o

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