What is the most appropriate treatment strategy for Donald after a positive rapid influenza test?

The most appropriate treatment strategy for Donald after a positive rapid influenza test is to administer oseltamivir in addition to providing the influenza vaccine. Oseltamivir, an antiviral medication, is effective in reducing the severity and duration of influenza symptoms when taken early in the course of the illness. It can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, especially in individuals who are at higher risk for severe disease.

Administering the influenza vaccine, while it’s typically more preventative, is still important even after a diagnosis. Vaccination can help protect the patient from potential future influenza strains or reinfections that may occur later in the season, since the vaccine can stimulate an immune response. In this case, the dual approach of using oseltamivir to address the current infection along with vaccination serves to maximize both immediate treatment and longer-term prevention.

Other treatment strategies are less appropriate. Simply using oseltamivir alone would not address the future risks of influenza. Just providing the influenza vaccine is not sufficient, as the patient is already infected and would need antiviral treatment for the current illness. Aspirin and rest, while often suggested for general symptom relief, do not effectively target influenza and are not recommended for children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye