The Particulars: Among children aged 2 and younger, influenza-associated morbidity is high. It is not clear, however, how the clinical complications, anti-viral treatment patterns, and healthcare use of infants aged 1 or younger during the H1N1 2009 pandemic compares with those of previous pre-pandemic seasons.
Data Breakdown: A retrospective analysis compared several factors in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic with those in the three previous seasons. Among the findings:
Take Home Pearls: During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic season, infants aged 1 or younger appeared to have been four times more likely to receive AVT than in previous pre-pandemic seasons. Hospitalization and complication risks appear to be lower with use of AVT in this patient population.
