Pandemic H1N1 influenza: clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment in children

2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus usually causes mild and uncomplicated illness which is characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, headache, myalgia, malasia, chills, diarrhea and vomiting in children. But infection may result in severe or complicated illness or progressive illness. Respiratory complications are the most common complications of pandemic H1N1 influenza in children. Children who have severe or complicated or progressive clinical illness should be treated with a neuraminidase inhibitor (preferably with oseltamivir). Children younger than two years or with certain chronic underlying medical and immunosuppressive conditions are exposed to greater risk for complications and death from pandemic H1N1 influenza. It is recommended that children in these “high-risk” groups, with mild and uncomplicated illness due to 2009 H1N1 virus infection are also treated with oseltamivir or zanamivir. This article reviews the clinical manifestations of pandemic H1N1 influenza in children, and the diagnosis and treatment of children with pandemic H1N1 influenza.