Announcing a change of its H1N1-influenza-related guidance to doctors, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged them to administer immediate antiviral therapy even in case of a mild case of H1N1 influenza.

WHO officials opine that the underlying risk associated with the H1N1 strain - which was declared a global pandemic by the UN health agency in June - can morph into a fatal disease, like pneumonia, within 24 hours.

In its updated treatment guidelines to clinicians, WHO said that antiviral medication should be immediately given to at-risk patients, especially pregnant women and children below two years, as well as patients with uncomplicated influenza-like illnesses, to prevent deaths due to H1N1 flu.

Among the new clinical guidelines, the WHO has also recommended that people who do not fall in the ‘at-risk’ group but have “persistent or rapidly worsening symptoms,” like problems breathing or a high fever for more than three days, should take antiviral medication.

Talking about the new guidelines at a press conference, Nikki Shindo, of WHO’s Global Influenza Programme, said: “We have updated our clinical guidance to emphasize that seeking early medical attention can save lives.”

Shindo added: “The virus can take a life within a week. The week of opportunity is very narrow in regard to the progression of the disease. The medicine needs to be administered before the virus destroys the lungs.”