Clinical Efficacy and Therapeutic Effectiveness of Oseltamivir in Pediatric Influenza Treatment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Influenza viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide each year. Diagnosing influenza based
on clinical symptoms is challenging and requires laboratory confirmation for a precise diagnosis. Oseltamivir is
fundamental in managing influenza; however, its effectiveness in children remains under scrutiny due to resistance.
This systematic review assessed the clinical effectiveness of oseltamivir in treating children with influenza. The
review included five studies that assessed the effectiveness of oseltamivir in treating influenza in children and
adults across different settings. Studies have shown that oseltamivir decreases illness duration when administered
early, and its combination with clarithromycin and naproxen reduces fever duration and hospital stay. Peramivir
showed slightly faster fever reduction than oseltamivir, though clinical outcomes remained similar. Shorter
courses of oseltamivir prophylaxis may be equally effective, potentially reducing costs. Adding oseltamivir to
standard care is cost-effective, particularly in older adults with health conditions. This review confirms the limited
effectiveness of oseltamivir in reducing flu symptoms in children when administered promptly, with potential
benefits from combination therapy in severe pediatric cases.