During flu season, influenza is
ubiquitous in the pediatric population
due to its transmission ability.
Pediatric nurses have the opportunity
to educate parents and caregivers
about methods to decrease the risk of
spreading influenza. Emphasis should
be placed on vaccination, thorough
hand washing, and hygiene techniques.
However, when these methods
fail, influenza can be burdensome
and can lead to serious illness.
Oseltamivir phosphate is a valuable
treatment option for those at highest
risk for influenza complications. It
has been shown to shorten the duration
of illness in influenza patients.
Guidelines for proper administration
of the drug in the infant population
have been established and offer
health care providers a safe and effective
course of action in influenza
treatment. Tamiflu®, like many other
medications, was approved for use in
children with a limited number of
studies related to its safety and efficacy.
Due to reports of significant
adverse reactions in older children,
close monitoring is warranted for this
non-verbal population.