Open AccessProtecting Pediatric Oncology Patients From Influenza
Author(s) -
Kersun Leslie S.,
Reilly Anne F.,
Coffin Susan E.,
Sullivan Kathleen E.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0401
Subject(s) - medicine , vaccination , intensive care medicine , infection control , pediatric oncology , antiviral treatment , respiratory illness , immunology , cancer , respiratory system , virus , chronic hepatitis
Learning ObjectivesIdentify optimal vaccination strategies and define the vaccine response rates among pediatric chemotherapy patients. Explain the advantage of beginning empiric antiviral therapy. Describe the need for family member vaccination, hygiene measures, and social distancing.Influenza is a common respiratory pathogen. Its severity can be unpredictable, but people with chronic illness are at increased risk of severe infection, complications, and death from influenza. This review examines evidence to support various strategies to protect pediatric oncology patients from influenza‐related morbidity. Influenza vaccination should be considered standard. Additional evidence‐supported measures include antiviral treatment, antiviral prophylaxis, cohorting of patients, and hospital infection control measures. Data from other high‐risk populations support the vaccination of family members, double‐dose or high‐dose vaccination, and the use of barrier methods. These measures have the potential to optimize patient outcomes because there will be fewer treatment interruptions for acute illness. These strategies can also protect patients from prolonged hospitalizations and morbidity related to influenza.