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Fluorescence-based Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay to Assess the Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses to The Neuraminidase Inhibitor Class of Antivirals
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Antiviral treatment of influenza in children

Shikha Garg1, Alicia M Fry, Monica Patton

  • 1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. izj7@cdc.gov

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Early antiviral treatment for influenza in children significantly reduces illness severity, complications, and healthcare costs. A comprehensive strategy is vital to decrease pediatric hospitalizations and deaths from flu.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Virology

Background:

  • Influenza imposes a significant annual burden of illness on US children.
  • The 2009 H1N1 pandemic highlighted the pediatric population's vulnerability, leading to increased hospitalizations and deaths.
  • Early antiviral therapy mitigates influenza's impact, reducing illness duration, complications, and healthcare utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the burden of influenza in US children.
  • To outline indications for antiviral treatment in pediatric cases.
  • To summarize evidence, considerations, and challenges of influenza antiviral therapy in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of data on pediatric influenza burden in the US.
  • Analysis of established guidelines for antiviral treatment in children.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding influenza antiviral efficacy and safety.
  • Examination of antiviral resistance and adverse event profiles.

Main Results:

  • Influenza is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in the US.
  • Antiviral treatment is recommended for hospitalized children, those with severe illness, or those at high risk.
  • Evidence supports the benefits of early antiviral treatment in reducing influenza-related outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • A robust strategy incorporating empiric antiviral treatment is crucial for managing pediatric influenza.
  • Timely antiviral intervention can significantly decrease influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths in children.
  • Considerations for resistance and adverse events are important for effective antiviral use.

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