Underutilization of Influenza Antiviral Treatment Among Children and Adolescents at Higher Risk for...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Public Health Surveillance
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Seasonal influenza virus infections lead to tens of thousands of hospitalizations annually in U.S. children and adolescents.
• Influenza vaccination and prompt antiviral treatment are key strategies to mitigate severe outcomes.
• Understanding trends in antiviral treatment is crucial for optimizing pediatric influenza management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utilization of antiviral treatment among U.S. children and adolescents with laboratory-confirmed influenza.
• To examine trends in antiviral treatment rates from the 2017-18 to the 2023-24 influenza seasons.
• To identify gaps in antiviral treatment for hospitalized and high-risk outpatient pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from two U.S. influenza surveillance networks.
• Included children and adolescents (<18 years) with medically attended, laboratory-confirmed influenza.
• Calculated the percentage of eligible patients receiving antiviral treatment and analyzed seasonal trends.

Main Results:

• Antiviral treatment rates for hospitalized children and adolescents declined from 70%-86% (2017-18) to 52%-59% (2023-24).
• During the 2023-24 season, only 31% of high-risk outpatients with influenza were prescribed antiviral treatment.
• A significant underutilization of recommended antiviral therapy was observed.

Conclusions:

• Influenza antiviral treatment is underutilized in pediatric populations who could benefit.
• Hospitalized children and adolescents with influenza should receive prompt antiviral treatment.
• High-risk outpatient pediatric cases also require timely antiviral prescription for suspected or confirmed influenza.