Credit CDC
#10,578
As the CDC FluView Chart above illustrates, even in a `moderate’ flu year, well over 100 American kids are killed by influenza. As bad as that number is, it is likely an underestimate. Deaths are not the only adverse outcome, as every year thousands of children are hospitalized for influenza in the United States as well.
This from the CDC’s Children, the Flu, and the Flu Vaccine
- Children commonly need medical care because of influenza, especially before they turn 5 years old.
- Severe influenza complications are most common in children younger than 2 years old.
- Children with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes and disorders of the brain or nervous system are at especially high risk of developing serious flu complications.
- Each year an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of influenza complications.
- Flu seasons vary in severity, however some children die from flu each year. Last influenza season, more than 140 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported. Information about pediatric deaths since the 2004-2005 flu season is available in the interactive pediatric death web application.
On Thursday of this week, the CDC will host a COCA call on controlling and preventing pediatric influenza. Topics will include the strong recommendation for a yearly flu vaccination for all those 6 months and older and the importance of for prompt use of antivirals – particularly in `at-risk’ patients - when influenza is indicated
Primarily of interest to clinicians and healthcare providers, COCA (Clinician Outreach Communication Activity) calls are designed to ensure that practitioners have up-to-date information for their practices.
How To Prevent and Control Pediatric Influenza
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2015
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Join by Phone:
- 888-469-1370 (U.S. Callers)
- 517-308-9218 (International Callers)
Passcode: 3791890
Join by Webinar: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW5219520&p=3791890&t=c
Presenter(s):
Henry H. Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP
Professor of Pediatrics
Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine
Overview:
Children, especially those with chronic medical conditions or neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders, are at higher risk of influenza-associated complications. Influenza prevention and control strategies in this at-risk population should include annual seasonal influenza immunization for all people 6 months and older and prompt antiviral treatment when influenza disease is indicated. During this COCA call, subject matter experts will discuss strategies that providers can use to improve influenza prevention and control in children at highest risk.
Objectives
- Describe strategies to assist in preparing for the 2015-2016 influenza season
- Identify gaps and opportunities to improve influenza prevention and control for children with chronic medical conditions
- Discuss the importance of promptly identifying children clinically presumed to have influenza disease for rapid antiviral treatment, when indicated, to reduce morbidity and mortality
- Identify ways to improve preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks within the office practice
Call Format
- Audio conference call on 10/01/15: 2:00 - 3:00 PM
- Web-on-demand training after 3:00 PM on 10/01/15
- Materials: PowerPoint slide set
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