What are the recommendations for the use of antiviral drugs in young children?
The September 22, 2009 updated interim recommendations for the use of antiviral drugs provides additional clarification regarding the increased risk for flu-related complications for young children. Children younger than 2 years old should be considered for early empiric treatment with the antiviral drug oseltamivir if they have suspected or confirmed flu. Hospitalization data available found that children younger than 2 years old were at increased risk for flu-related complications compared to older populations. During April through August 2009, hospitalization rates for lab-confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza in children younger than 2 years old was 2.5 times higher than the rates for children 2 years to 4 years old. In studies of seasonal influenza, the risk for hospitalization is also highest for infants, with the risk decreasing as a child gets older. Given this increased risk for hospitalizations, children younger than 2 years are generally recommended for antiviral treatment. Children ages 2 years to 4 years old without high risk conditions and who are not severely ill do not necessarily need antiviral treatment. While children 2 years to 4 years old are more likely to require hospitalizations or urgent medical care for influenza compared with older children, this risk is much lower than the risk for children younger than 2 years old. Providers should use clinical judgment to guide treatment decisions for healthy children.
Last Updated: 09/23/2009
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