Affiliations: Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine,
Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia | School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of
Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia | PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Princess Margaret
Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
Note: [] Correspondence: Christopher Blyth, School of Paediatrics and
Child Health, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital,
Roberts Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia. Tel.: +61 8 9340 8606; Fax: +61 8 9388
2097; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The global burden of influenza virus infection is considerable,
especially in young children, the elderly and those with underlying medical
conditions. Young children are at greatest risk of requiring hospital admission
with influenza virus infection. Effective antiviral treatment and prophylaxis strategies are available. Adamantanes, neuraminidase inhibitors and ribavirin
all have antiviral activity. The neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and
zanamivir are most frequently prescribed. Neuraminidase inhibitors reduce
length of illness and severity and are generally well tolerated. Antiviral
resistance is increasing globally. Antiviral resistance can occur de novo or
following antiviral exposure. The incidence varies significantly between
different drug classes and influenza strains. Despite increasing concern, most
circulating influenza viruses remain sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors.
