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Physicians to Children has current flu clinics available now. Please call us at 540.895.9190 to schedule a clinic time or for more information. Physicians to Children is following the CDC recommendations for treatment of influenza for the 2009-2010 season as outlined below.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF INFLUENZA FOR THE 2009-2010 SEASON

Most healthy persons who develop an illness consistent with influenza, or persons who appear to be recovering from influenza, do not need antiviral medications for treatment or prophylaxis. However, persons presenting with suspected influenza and more severe symptoms such as evidence of lower respiratory tract infection or clinical deterioration should receive prompt empiric antiviral therapy, regardless of previous health or age. Treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir is recommended for all persons with suspected or confirmed influenza requiring hospitalization.

Early empiric treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir should be considered for persons with suspected or confirmed influenza who are at higher risk for complications including: children younger than 2 years old, persons aged 65 or older, pregnant women, persons of any age with certain chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions (asthma, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, neuromuscular disorders), and persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

Children aged 2 years to 4 years without high risk conditions and with mild illness do not necessarily require antiviral treatment. Treatment, when indicated, should be initiated as early as possible because studies show that treatment initiated early (i.e., within 48 hours of illness onset) is more likely to provide benefit.

Considerations for antiviral chemopropylaxis should generally be reserved for persons at higher risk for influenza-related complications who have had contact with someone likely to have been infected with influenza.

Based on global experience to date, 2009 H1N1 influenza viruses likely will be the most common influenza viruses among those circulating in the coming season, particularly those causing influenza among younger age groups.

The CDC has listed the following safety guidelines on their website for staying healthy this flu season. For more information about H1N1 flu, please visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/