Pediatria pre prax 6/2007

INFLUENZA IN CHILDREN

Influenza is a cause of 10–20 % of respiratory infection, frequently with a complicated course. Children and teenagers suffer from the infection the most frequently and in population they represent a potential source of infection mainly for a group of elderly and chronically ill people who are in the highest danger. This risk can be decreased by vaccination. The youngest children under the age of two, children with immune deficiencies and chronic illnesses are also endangered. The article discusses clinical picture of influenza in children including options of vaccination.

Keywords: influenza, vaccination, child age, flue vaccine, neuraminidase inhibitors.