[Influenza in children].
It has been recently demonstrated that influenza is not predominantly an adult disease but affects massively the children and spreads to the community from them. Affected children may be admitted to hospital and the maximal risk concerns those younger than 1 year and mainly <6 months of age. For them, the risk to be admitted is equivalent to that observed in elderly and adults with underlying conditions. Asthma and chronic diseases enhance the risk in children in the same proportions as observed in adults. Influenza may lead to death, infants aged 0-6 months being the most affected. Young children with influenza exhibit a non specific respiratory illness and often non respiratory manifestations (isolated fever, GI tract illness, convulsions). Influenza rapid "doctor tests" are now available and may be used at the physician's surgery. Treating fever is the most important purpose. Aspirin use should be avoided due to an increased risk of Reye syndrome. Antibiotic prescription is not indicated, except in case of bacterial super infection. Neuraminidase inhibitors may be used for treatment of influenza in children from 1 year (oseltamivir) or 5 years (zanamivir). These medications may also be used for prophylaxis of the disease.
Floret
Daniel
D
Université Claude-Bernard-Lyon-1, Service d'urgence et de réanimation pédiatrique, hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Lyon. daniel.floret@chu-lyon.fr
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin; D002648:Child; D000075202:Contraindications; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D009439:Neuraminidase; D001241:Aspirin