Pediatric Influenza: Managing the Comeback Kid

Influenza places a substantial burden on the health of people in the United States each year, with varying impacts. In healthy children, influenza typically is self-limited and uncomplicated, but it can lead to severe morbidity and mortality in those at increased risk for severe or complicated illness. Data show that early antiviral treatment can reduce the duration of illness as well as the risk for complications. Studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of antiviral therapy for post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza. Staying apprised of new data regarding the diagnosis and treatment of influenza may better equip clinicians to identify and manage influenza in the community, potentially reducing disease burden. In this CME/CNE program, experts review best practices for the diagnosis of influenza and assess the available antiviral treatments for their efficacy, safety, ease of administration, and use as prophylaxis in pediatric and adolescent patients with or at risk for influenza.