A Trial of Oseltamivir in High-Risk Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Influenza

Inclusion Criteria: * Outpatient at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Northeast Community Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, Rockyview General Hospital emergency departments * ≥ 18 years of age * ≥ 65 years of age OR chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, and asthma) , diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases, cancer, immunodeficiency, immunosuppression (due to underlying disease and/or therapy), renal disease, anemia, and hemoglobinopathy, any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk of aspiration * Acute respiratory infection (ARI) exhibiting 2 or more symptoms, onset within last 72 hours * Laboratory confirmation of influenza infection, onset within last 72 hours Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to oseltamivir (i.e., previous anaphylaxis) * Resident of a nursing home * Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) 1 * Blood pressure \< 90 mmHg * Respiratory rate \>30 breaths per minute * PaO2 less \<88% * Confusion * Inability to eat or drink * Radiographic evidence of pneumonia