Recommendations for Influenza Prevention and Treatment in Children: An Update for Pediatric Providers

Image of Continuing Education Credits abbreviation.

Influenza remains a serious threat to children due to its potential to cause severe illness and death. Nearly 200 flu-associated deaths in children were reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the 2019–2020 influenza season. Clinicians play a critical role in immunizing children, the children’s family members and caregivers, and themselves. While early use of antiviral drugs in children can reduce the duration of symptoms and prevent serious complications, immunization remains the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, including death. Immunization is particularly important during the severe COVID-19 pandemic.

During this COCA call, subject matter experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC will discuss strategies primary care providers and medical subspecialists can use to improve flu prevention and control in children this season.

Presenters

Fatimah Dawood, MDMedical Officer
Epidemiology and Prevention Branch
Influenza Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Anne Kimball, MD, MPHMaternal Child Health Unit
COVID-19 Response
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Flor Munoz, MD, MSc, FAAPAssociate Professor of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Molecular Virology and Microbiology
Baylor College of Medicine