The perfect storm: Influenza and RSV during the season of COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Treatment should be initiated early in the illness as the greatest effect on outcome is achieved if given within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.1 In one randomized controlled trial, baloxavir marboxil had greater efficacy than oseltamivir in adolescents and adults with influenza B virus infection.3 (You can see the recommended list of antiviral medications for this season on the online Table at contemporarypediatrics.com/ influenza-and-RSV-during-COVID). Health care providers are already seeing a less severe influenza and RSV season due to the COVID-19 precautions, with individuals wearing masks and continued physical distancing. What HCPs can do in the meantime is test as many patients as they can to determine the infecting organism and the most appropriate treatment. Because HCPs know that the 2018-2019 influenza vaccine reducedpediatric influenza A-associ-ated hospitalizations and emergency department visits by 40% to 60%,5 this season's approach has been to immunize as many children with the influenza vaccine and test as many as possible for influenza and COVID-19. There are many single testing options available and a few multiplex assays using RT-PCR, mostly in hospital labs. But as the flu season marches on, I anticipate more assays to be available for use in the office as well. ¦ COMMENTS?