Recommendations for the management of children with influenza in a primary care setting – COMPAS INFLUENZA. Update for the 2023/2024 season

Abstract

Five years after publishing the first Polish recommendations on the management of influenza, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to update the recommendations. Influenza is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract that occurs in all age groups. The course of the disease may vary in severity and clinical picture, from asymptomatic to severe with symptoms of respiratory failure. The possibility of pandemic infections and serious complications distinguish influenza from other viral respiratory diseases. Diagnosis is most often clinical, and in justified cases additional tests may be helpful. The disease is characterised by a sudden onset with general symptoms such as fever, feeling cold, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, malaise, lack of appetite and severe weakness. General symptoms are accompanied by respiratory manifestations. Physical examination shows no characteristic features. In outpatient settings during the epidemic season (October – April), the diagnosis should be made based on clinical symptoms and physical examination. Oseltamivir is recommended for both treatment and chemoprophylaxis. Clinical benefits are greatest when treatment is started as early as possible, within 48 hours of symptom onset. Clinical trials indicate that early treatment with oseltamivir may reduce both the duration of the disease and the risk of complications. Annual vaccination is the most effective method of preventing influenza, with severe anaphylactic reaction after previous vaccination being the only absolute contraindication.