Influenza

Children of any age with mild influenza illness do not usually require antivirals.

Neuraminidase inhibitors should be used to treat:

• All hospitalized children with influenza illness

• Those with underlying medical conditions

• Those with severe or progressive symptoms of influenza

For young children, oseltamivir is currently the most suitable agent.

Oseltamivir is not approved in Canada for children younger than 1 year of age. However, during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, oseltamivir was temporarily approved for use in this age group, based on a favourable risk-to-benefit ratio, with two studies providing valuable safety data in term and preterm infants.

Oseltamivir use for seasonal influenza in children younger than 1 year of age should be considered on a case-by-case basis, with focus on severity of illness.