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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Modifying clinical practices to manage influenza in children effectively
1Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS: BCM-280, Houston, TX 77030, USA. wglezen@bcm.tmc.edu
Insights
Young children face higher risks from influenza. Early antiviral treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir and zanamivir is safe and effective for children, reducing illness and spread.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Children under 5 years are at higher risk of influenza complications.
- Low vaccination rates persist due to misperceptions about influenza severity in children.
- Rapid diagnostic tests aid in timely antiviral treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increased morbidity risk of influenza in young children.
- To emphasize the importance of early antiviral therapy for influenza in pediatric patients.
- To review the safety and efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on influenza epidemiology in children.
- Analysis of antiviral therapy effectiveness and timing.
- Comparison of neuraminidase inhibitors with older antiviral classes.
Main Results:
- Neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir) are safe and effective for pediatric influenza treatment and prophylaxis.
- Antiviral therapy is most effective within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- These agents reduce symptom duration, severity, and transmission, with efficacy against influenza B.
Conclusions:
- Annual influenza vaccination is crucial for preventing severe illness in children.
- Early diagnosis and prompt antiviral treatment are key to managing pediatric influenza.
- Neuraminidase inhibitors represent a valuable, effective, and safe treatment option for children.
Abstract:
Children less than 5 years of age are at increased risk of morbidity from influenza infection compared with older children and adults aged 18-54 years. Although much of the disease burden can be prevented by annual vaccination, the misperception that influenza does not result in serious illness in children, including schoolchildren, contributes to ongoing low vaccination rates. In conjunction with community surveillance of influenza activity, rapid diagnostic tests can help identify influenza patients who may benefit from initiation of antiviral therapy. Antiviral therapy is most effective when started within at least 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, the earlier the better. The neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir are safe and effective as first-line treatments and prophylaxis for influenza in children. These agents have been shown to decrease symptoms and shorten the duration of illness, as well as to curb the spread of influenza infection. The neuraminidase inhibitors also have shown efficacy against influenza B infection and exhibit less viral resistance than the older adamantane antiviral class.
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