Decline in Antiviral Treatments for Hospitalized Pediatric Influenza Patients: Key Insights and Implications - News Directory 3

Decline in Antiviral Treatments for Hospitalized Pediatric Influenza Patients: Key Insights and Implications

November 21, 2024 Catherine Williams Health
News Context
At a glance
  • Decline in Antiviral Treatment: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, antiviral use for influenza in children has dropped to 52%-59%.
  • Higher Treatment Rates for Vulnerable Groups: Antiviral treatment is more common in children under 6 months old and those with underlying health conditions.
  • A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted this issue.
Original source: contemporarypediatrics.com

Key Highlights from the Report on Influenza Antiviral Use in Children

  1. Decline in Antiviral Treatment: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, antiviral use for influenza in children has dropped to 52%-59%. This trend alarms health experts.

  2. Higher Treatment Rates for Vulnerable Groups: Antiviral treatment is more common in children under 6 months old and those with underlying health conditions.

  3. Treatment Disparities in Hospitalized Patients: Hospitalized children without underlying conditions are less likely to receive antivirals compared to those with multiple medical conditions.

Hospitalization and Antiviral Data

Every year, many children in the U.S. are hospitalized due to influenza. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted this issue.

  • Current Treatment Rates: In the latest season, 70% of hospitalized children with confirmed influenza were treated with antivirals in previous years. This percentage has now decreased significantly. Only 52% received antiviral treatment in the 2023-2024 season.

  • Hospitalization Statistics: The report noted 573 outpatient visits and 283 hospitalizations in the New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN). FluSurv-NET recorded 1,846 influenza-associated hospitalizations.

  • Demographics of Hospitalized Children: The highest percentages of hospitalized children were aged 5 to 11 years. The majority are non-Hispanic White or non-Hispanic Black.

Factors Influencing Antiviral Use

  • Approximately 58% of hospitalized children had no underlying conditions. The report showed that the likelihood of receiving treatment increased with the number of underlying medical conditions.

  • Among outpatient children recommended for antiviral treatment, only 31% received it.

Concerns About Oseltamivir

Experts are also concerned about the antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and its potential neuropsychiatric effects. Studies show that neuropsychiatric events can occur in children both with and without antiviral treatment.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers should ensure prompt antiviral treatment for children with suspected or confirmed influenza, especially those at higher risk for complications. The decline in antiviral use raises important questions about treatment practices following the pandemic.

References:

  1. Frutos AM, Ahmad HM, Ujamaa D, et al. Underutilization of Influenza Antiviral Treatment Among Children and Adolescents at Higher Risk for Influenza-Associated Complications — United States, 2023–2024. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. CDC, November 14, 2024.
  2. Fitch, J. Antiviral therapeutics for pediatric influenza, COVID-19, herpes. Contemporary Pediatrics, March 26, 2024.