Commentary

The Burden of Influenza in Children

Romina Libster, MD; Kathryn M. Edwards, MD

  • Pediatric Annals
  • August 2010 - Volume 39 · Issue 8: 528-529
  • DOI: 10.3928/00904481-20100726-11
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Abstract

Several studies have shown the important burden of influenza virus disease in children, both in hospital and out-patient settings. Influenza-associated deaths in children have also been reported and are highest in children younger than 6 months. The recent emergence of a pandemic novel influenza H1N1 strain (2009 H1N1) and its rapid worldwide spread have had an important effect on children. In Argentina, when compared with seasonal influenza in the previous year, hospitalization rates for children infected with 2009 H1N1 were two-fold higher, with the overall mortality rate 10-fold higher than that reported in the previous influenza season. Rates of hospitalization and death were the highest in children younger than 1 year.

AUTHORS

Romina Libster, MD, is Pediatrician, INFANT Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Research Specialist, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program. Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, is Sarah H. Sell Professor of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics; and Director, Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program, Nashville, TN.

Dr. Libster has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Dr. Edwards has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: NexBio: Consultant; and Wyeth, Sanofi Pasteur, and Novartis: Research grant recipient.

Address correspondence to: Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, Sarah H. Sell Professor of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics; Director, Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program, 1161 21st Ave. South, CCC 5311 MCN, Nashville, TN, 37232; fax: 615-343-4738; email: .kathryn.edwards@vanderbilt.edu

doi: 10.3928/00904481-20100726-11

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