Influenza and parainfluenza viral infections in children

• Published in: Pediatrics in review Vol. 35; no. 6; pp. 217 - 27; quiz 228
• Main Authors: Fox, Thomas G, Christenson, John C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-06-2014
• Subjects: Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Influenza Vaccines - administration & dosage; Influenza, Human - diagnosis; Influenza, Human - epidemiology; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Parainfluenza Vaccines - administration & dosage; Paramyxoviridae Infections - diagnosis; Paramyxoviridae Infections - epidemiology; Paramyxoviridae Infections - prevention & control
• ISSN: 1526-3347
• DOI: 10.1542/pir.35-6-217

• On the basis of strong epidemiologic evidence, influenza and parainfluenza viruses are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in young infants and children and in persons with chronic medical conditions. (1)(4)(26)(27)(35). • On the basis of research evidence, influenza vaccines are effective in preventing disease in high-risk individuals. (8)(17)(18). • On the basis of strong research evidence, influenza vaccines are safe in young infants and children 6 months or older. (8)(15).• On the basis of research evidence, the use of corticosteroids and epinephrine is beneficial in the treatment of laryngotracheitis caused by parainfluenza viruses. (44)(45)(46)(47). • Strong evidence supports the use of influenza vaccines in pregnant mothers as a strategy to prevent disease in infants younger than 6 months. (17)(18)(19).