Updated guidelines on the treatment of influenza in children may reduce influenza spread. The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan revised the Taiwan children's influenza treatment guidelines on Tuesday for the first time in five years. The updates will mean new one-dose oral antiviral drugs can be used by children five and above, which can shorten the treatment course and further reduce influenza spread.
According to CDC statistics, flu-related emergency visits exceeded 740,000 as of September 28, indicating a looming flu season. This follows recent waves of summer flu outbreaks caused by mutating virus strains.
Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Vice Superintendant Dr. Chiu Cheng-Hsun (邱政洵) says the new guidelines come in response to the current severe flu season. He says children often act as vectors, carrying the virus and spreading it to family and classmates. He adds that reducing the duration of the illness can significantly curb transmission.
Chiu says the new drug works as effectively as a traditional five-day course but with just one dose, improving convenience and treatment adherence. If taken within 24 to 48 hours of infection, it rapidly reduces symptoms and viral loads. The medication, however, is not yet covered by insurance and costs around NT$2,000 (US$62) or less per dose.