Influenza and the use of oseltamivir in children.

Influenza is an infectious disease which causes significant morbidity and mortality. In the USA, approximately 200 000 hospital admissions and 36 000 deaths occur annualy due to severe influenza infections. Although influenza often causes a simple respiratory infection, it sometimes causes disorders affecting several organs including the lung, heart, brain, liver and muscles or serious life-threatening primary viral or secondary bacterial pneumonia. Currently, oseltamivir is the most important and effective drug for severe influenza infections. Severe influenza infections can be controlled and related deaths may be prevented with initiation of this drug especially within first 2 days. Oseltamivir is usually well tolerated and its most commonly reported side effect is related with the gastrointestinal system. In conclusion, the course of influenza changes in a positive direction and the rates of complications and mortality significantly reduce in patients in whom oseltamivir treatment is initiated as soon as possible.