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Antiviral drugs for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children

INTRODUCTION

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses, which occurs in outbreaks worldwide every year, mainly during the winter seasons in temperate climates.

Among healthy children, influenza generally is an acute, self-limited, and uncomplicated disease. Nonetheless, it causes an appreciable disease burden (eg, school and work absence, increased frequency of outpatient medical visits). In addition, certain groups of children are at increased risk of acquiring more severe or complicated illness from influenza: those younger than 24 months of age and those with chronic disorders (table 1). (See "Clinical features and diagnosis of influenza in children", section on 'Epidemiology'.)

Immunization is the major public health measure for the prevention of influenza infection [1,2]. However, antiviral drugs also may be used for prevention in high-risk patients who have not been immunized or who may have a suboptimal response to vaccine and in seasons when the vaccine is a poor match for circulating influenza. During the 2009-2010 influenza season, the use of antiviral medications is prioritized for the treatment of influenza in hospitalized and high-risk patients [3].

The use of antiviral drugs in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children will be presented here. Influenza vaccination in children and the use of antiviral drugs in adults are discussed separately. (See "Seasonal influenza vaccination in children" and "Prevention of seasonal influenza in adults" and "Treatment of seasonal influenza in adults".)

The prevention and treatment of pandemic H1N1 influenza also are discussed separately. (See "Prevention of pandemic H1N1 influenza ('swine influenza')" and "Treatment of pandemic H1N1 influenza ('swine influenza')".)
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