The use of antiviral treatments in children hospitalized for influenza fell sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published last week in Pediatrics.
While 48% to 57% of hospitalized children received antivirals for flu before the pandemic (December 2016 to March 2020), a team led by researchers from the University of Vanderbilt Medical Center found that 38% of these kids received the medications in 2021 to 2022, along with 46% in 2022 to 2023.
Before the pandemic, use of antivirals had grown steadily for several years. Research shows that antivirals can reduce the number of days children experience flu symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of complications.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and other expert groups recommend prompt antiviral treatment in…