Seasonal influenza: the burden of disease in children

Abstract

During the past decade, accumulating data on the impact of influenza virus-related disease in children have become available. In this review, we summarize and discuss these data. We conclude that mortality due to influenza in children is relatively limited. But, in contrast, influenza-related hospitalizations occur frequently. The bulk of the influenza-related disease burden is experienced in the outpatient setting. This results in sometimes very high consultation rates, frequent complications, and substantial parental work absenteeism.