Influenza A Infection and Anaphylaxis in a Pediatric Patient Hospitalized for Asthma Exacerbation

Influenza infections can cause a variety of different systemic problems beyond respiratory symptoms. A 4-year-old boy with a history of atopy, infected with influenza A, presented to our hospital with an asthma exacerbation developed symptoms of anaphylaxis. He was treated with a full course of oseltamivir and symptoms resolved without recurrence of allergic reaction. Infections have been implicated as causes of anaphylaxis but this has mostly been limited to parasites. While viral infections have been documented as causes of urticarial rashes, anaphylaxis due to viral infection has only been reported once, in an adult patient. There have not been any reports of anaphylaxis related to influenza infections. Early recognition and treatment of patients with influenza may prevent progression of systemic allergic reactions. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2017-11.asp].