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J Pediatr Infect Dis 2012; 07(02): 055-060
DOI: 10.3233/JPI-120345
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Antivirals for children with influenza: Current evidence

Joshua R. Francis
a   Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
,
Christopher C. Blyth
a   Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
b   School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
c   PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
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Further Information

Publication History

03 June 2012

30 July 2012

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

The global burden of influenza virus infection is considerable, especially in young children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Young children are at greatest risk of requiring hospital admission with influenza virus infection.

Effective antiviral treatment and prophylaxis strategies are available. Adamantanes, neuraminidase inhibitors and ribavirin all have antiviral activity. The neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir are most frequently prescribed. Neuraminidase inhibitors reduce length of illness and severity and are generally well tolerated. Antiviral resistance is increasing globally.

Antiviral resistance can occur de novo or following antiviral exposure. The incidence varies significantly between different drug classes and influenza strains. Despite increasing concern, most circulating influenza viruses remain sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors.

Keywords

Influenza - children - antivirals - neuraminidase inhibitors