H1N1 Guidelines For Children

As the start of another school year is upon us, parents are asking what to do should their children come down with symptoms of influenza. The World Health Organization just released updated guidelines with regards to children and the H1N1 (swine) flu.

The current recommendation is prompt treatment for children who show severe or deteriorating illness, and those at risk of more severe or complicated disease. This includes all children under 5 years of age because this age group is at an increased risk of severe H1N1 infection.

Children who are otherwise healthy and older than the age of 5 do not need to be given antiviral medication unless their illness persists or worsen. Most patients, including children, who are infected with the pandemic H1N1 virus will experience typical influenza symptoms and fully recover within a week, even without any form of medical treatment.

The two antivirals currently used are oseltamivir and zanamivir. They can help to reduce disease severity and reduce the need for hospitalization.