Influenza%20(pediatric) Signs and Symptoms

Epidemiology

• The main types of influenza virus are types A, B and C virus
• Types A and B are the main causes of influenza outbreaks

Follow local program for control of priority diseases, if available

Timing of Vaccination

• All children 6 months-18 years are recommended to be given Influenza vaccine annually
  • Safe for school-aged children
  • Influenza substantially affects school-aged children and their contacts

• Must be administered yearly because vaccines decline in efficacy with time and in the emergence of newly circulating strains
  • For the 2022-2023 recommendation, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend that complete immunization should start as soon as the vaccines become available, preferably by the end of October
  • Children scheduled to receive their 1st dose of influenza vaccine should be inoculated as soon as possible, to ensure immunization by the end of October
  • No preference was given whether to use inactivated trivalent or quadrivalent vaccine

• Attack rates of influenza are higher in children during outbreaks and are a major cause of transmission within communities

Northern Hemisphere

• Typically administer annual vaccinations to high-risk individuals and their close contacts between October-February

Southern Hemisphere

• Typically administer annual vaccinations to high-risk individuals and their close contacts between March-September

Tropical or Subtropical Regions

• Laboratory confirmed influenza can occur anytime throughout the year
  • Peaks of influenza activity can occur 1-2x/year, during rainy/winter season

• Public health programs where high-risk individuals and their close contacts are vaccinated should be performed at the same time each year if >1 peak of influenza activity occurs within a year
  • Latest available vaccine formulation should be used

Most Commonly Presented Clustered Symptoms

• Abrupt onset of fever (37.7-40°C)
• Severe myalgia and/or arthralgia
• Severe dry cough
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

Other Common Symptoms

• Chills
• Malaise
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort

Symptoms that Occasionally Occur

• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing

• High-risk groups are more likely to suffer severe illness and premature death related to influenza

Targeted Pediatric Populations

• <5 years especially children <2 years of age
• Patients ≤18 years on long-term Aspirin therapy due to increased risk of Reye’s syndrome
• Patients with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular (CV), renal, hepatic, hematologic or metabolic diseases
• Immunocompromised children
• Children with neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions
• Children with conditions that compromise respiratory function or handling of secretions
• Obese children and adolescents
• Children living in the community with ≥1 of the above disease states

Caregivers or Other Individuals Who Live with High-Risk Individuals

• Healthy household contacts and caregivers of children ≤5 years