Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-14-2024

Identifier

DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7345a2; PMCID: PMC11576051

Abstract

Annually, tens of thousands of U.S. children and adolescents are hospitalized with seasonal influenza virus infection. Both influenza vaccination and early initiation of antiviral treatment can reduce complications of influenza. Using data from two U.S. influenza surveillance networks for children and adolescents agedattended, laboratory-confirmed influenza for whom antiviral treatment is recommended, the percentage who received treatment was calculated. Trends in antiviral treatment of children and adolescents hospitalized with influenza from the 2017-18 to the 2023-2024 influenza seasons were also examined. Since 2017-18, when 70%-86% of hospitalized children and adolescents with influenza received antiviral treatment, the proportion receiving treatment notably declined. Among children and adolescents with influenza during the 2023-24 season, 52%-59% of those hospitalized received antiviral treatment. During the 2023-24 season, 31% of those at higher risk for influenza complications seen in the outpatient setting in one network were prescribed antiviral treatment. These findings demonstrate that influenza antiviral treatment is underutilized among children and adolescents who could benefit from treatment. All hospitalized children and adolescents, and those at higher risk for influenza complications in the outpatient setting, should receive antiviral treatment as soon as possible for suspected or confirmed influenza.

Journal Title

MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report

Volume

73

Issue

45

First Page

1022

Last Page

1029

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Influenza, Human; Antiviral Agents; Adolescent; Child; United States; Child, Preschool; Infant; Hospitalization; Drug Utilization; Male; Female; Risk Assessment

Keywords

Human Influenza; Antiviral Agents; United States; Hospitalization; Drug Utilization; Risk Assessment

Comments

The MMWR series of publications is published by the Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Service.

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