AAP flu policy updated to include new antiviral

The Academy has updated its policy statement on influenza to include a new antiviral medication.

The policy Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2017-2018, now provides dosage and administration information for intravenous peramivir, a neuraminidase inhibitor.

The drug was approved in September for use as treatment for acute uncomplicated influenza in non-hospitalized children 2 years and older. Peramivir is one of three available antivirals for influenza along with oseltamivir and zanamivir, which also are detailed in the policy.

For the updated policy statement, visit http://bit.ly/2gFER0E. AAP News has summarized the guidance at http://bit.ly/2wVD9M5 and provided information on coding at http://bit.ly/2gGfdsA.