New guidelines for the use of antivirals in 
the management of patients infected with the H1N1 pandemic virus were published by the WHO on 20th August 2009. Emphasis is placed on the use of oseltamivir and zanamivir to prevent severe illness and deaths, reduce the need for hospitalization, and reduce the duration of hospital stays.
Worldwide, most patients infected with the H1N1 pandemic virus continue to experience typical influenza symptoms and fully recover within a week, even without any form of medical treatment. Healthy patients with uncomplicated illness need not be treated with antivirals.