Chung Erica Y, Chiang Vincent W
Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
Pediatr Emerg Care. 2011 Aug;27(8):760-9; quiz 770-1. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e31822843f2.
Between 2009 and 2010, the influenza H1N1 pandemic swept across the globe, disproportionately affecting the pediatric population. This pandemic strain is expected to circulate again with other seasonal influenza strains during the 2010-2011 season. This article reviews the new 2010 to 2011 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for vaccination against the influenza virus for pediatric patients. It reviews the various testing modalities and the benefits and disadvantage of each test and offers an approach to diagnostic testing. Lastly, it reviews the indications and recommendations for treatment of children with presumed or confirmed influenza infection.
