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https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/133078
Title: | Influenza in children: An overview of the disease, its prevention and treatment | Authors: | Goh, D.Y.T. | Keywords: | Influenza virus Risk factors Vaccination |
Issue Date: | Mar-2006 | Citation: | Goh, D.Y.T. (2006-03). Influenza in children: An overview of the disease, its prevention and treatment. Paediatrics, Child and Adolescent Health 1 (1) : 52-56. ScholarBank@NUS Repository. | Abstract: | Influenza is an important and common disease that can cause significant complications particularly in the very young and elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Influenza A and B are major human pathogens, with the former responsible for major pandemics and epidemics, related to antigenic shift and antigen drift. Seasonality of influenza A has been demonstrated in Singapore with peaks in June and December each year. Children play an important role in the transmission of the virus due to their relatively high viral titres and longer duration of viral shedding. Its symptoms can mimic oral viral infection and even more similar conditions such as SARS and inhalation anthrax, which may aggravate fear and anxiety as well as place a heightened burden on healthcare resources in the light of recent infection disease outbreaks and bioterrorism. Treatment and pharmacological prevention of influenza, though available, are not ideal due to the cost, side effects and limited efficacy. Immunoprophylaxis using vaccine is the most effective measure for disease prevention. Inactivated vaccine is the most efficacious vaccine available presently. The side effect profile is also relatively favourable. | Source Title: | Paediatrics, Child and Adolescent Health | URI: | http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/133078 | ISSN: | 17933110 |
Appears in Collections: | Staff Publications |
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