Winter flu guide: Antiviral medications for women and children

Author: Unspecified; Reviewer: Unspecified; Curator: Unspecified; Production/Organizational Information: Unspecified Title: Winter flu guide: Antiviral medications for women and children Introduction: Protection from winter influenza is vital for pregnant women and children. This article covers influenza vs. cold, antiviral timing, and key considerations. Keywords: ['Pregnant and postpartum women.', 'Children', 'Influenza'] Main text: As winter arrives, the flu season is in full swing! Children (especially those under five), pregnant women, and women within two weeks post-delivery are high-risk groups for influenza. For these populations, the incidence of severe illness, complications, and adverse outcomes from influenza is significantly higher than in the general population, so flu prevention and response cannot be taken lightly! Today, we’ll help you avoid common misconceptions and build a strong defense against routine challenges during the high flu season with scientific knowledge. Misconception One: A common cold is the same as the flu, and both can be treated with antiviral drugs. Fact: Influenza and the common cold are caused by different viruses, showing distinct symptoms: the flu typically presents with sudden high fever, muscle aches, and overall fatigue, while the common cold focuses on nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. Antiviral drugs are only effective against influenza A and B viruses, and have no effect against cold viruses. Using antiviral medications without justification can waste resources, increase the resistance of antiviral drugs, and elevate the risk of gastrointestinal and neurological side effects. Thus, it’s essential to preliminarily assess symptoms and only use medications as directed by a healthcare provider after a diagnosis. Misconception Two: Enduring influenza during pregnancy is safer, as medications could harm the fetus. Fact: Pregnant and postpartum women are at high risk for severe influenza. Their immune systems are suppressed due to hormonal changes, and the weight of the uterus can increase the strain on the heart and lungs, leading to a risk of respiratory failure after infection. Additionally, prolonged high fever can lead to severe outcomes like fetal neural tube defects, miscarriage, and premature birth. Clinical data show that timely and proper medication for pregnant and postpartum women with influenza provides benefits far exceeding any potential risks. Certain antiviral drugs (like oseltamivir) have established safety data for use during pregnancy and can effectively reduce severe risks to both mother and child when used under medical guidance. Enduring the illness could, in fact, jeopardize the safety of both. Misconception Three: If a child has a fever, they must have the flu and require immediate antiviral medication. Fact: The causes of fever in children are complex and can range from bacterial infections to the common cold or roseola, not all fevers are due to the flu. Even when diagnosed with influenza, most cases are self-limiting, and children can recover gradually through their own immune responses without immediately resorting to antiviral medications. Only certain high-risk children may require active antiviral treatment. According to the 'Clinical Practice Guidelines for Influenza Treatment and Prophylaxis in China (2025 Edition),' antiviral medication should be used within 48 hours of symptom onset for seriously ill children, those under two years of age, or others with high-risk factors, following medical advice. Misconception Four: Using multiple antiviral medications will speed up recovery. Fact: Some parents or pregnant women believe that 'using more medications will double the effect,' but this contradicts the principles of scientific medication. Different types of antiviral drugs have similar mechanisms of action, and using them together can significantly increase the risk of adverse effects, such as respiratory irritation and nausea. Antiviral medications should follow the principle of 'single medication for symptomatic treatment'; only one drug should be appropriately selected and used as prescribed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Misconception Five: Once flu symptoms improve, it’s fine to stop taking medication before completing the full course. Fact: If antiviral medication is stopped prematurely after the body temperature drops and symptoms lessen, the virus may not be completely eliminated, which can lead to a recurrence of the illness and potentially induce drug resistance, making subsequent treatment more difficult. Regardless of whether flu symptoms improve, it's crucial to complete the full treatment course (typically five days) to ensure sufficient drug levels in the body to suppress the virus. Misconception Six: If one has had influenza once, they cannot be reinfected in the same season. Fact: There are multiple subtypes of influenza viruses, and the immune protection induced by infection with one subtype is subtype-specific and does not provide cross-immunity. For example, during the same flu season, a person could be infected with influenza A first and later still be at risk for influenza B. Thus, even if one has recovered from a particular subtype, it remains essential to continue preventive measures. High-risk individuals are advised to get vaccinated against the flu annually in the fall and winter to boost their antibodies against influenza viruses, reducing the chance of reinfection. Misconception Seven: Getting vaccinated against the flu during pregnancy could harm the fetus. Fact: Vaccinating with an inactivated flu vaccine is the safest and most effective method to prevent influenza during pregnancy. It protects the mother and produces antibodies that can be passed through the placenta to the fetus, providing short-term immune protection to the newborn after birth. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting that getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy increases risks of fetal malformations, premature birth, or other complications. Pregnant women who meet vaccination criteria should get vaccinated as soon as possible to strengthen the health defense for both mother and child.

To combat influenza, prevention is key. Children and pregnant women should receive the influenza vaccine as early as possible. It is important to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, ensuring proper ventilation, and minimizing visits to crowded places. If flu-like symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought promptly, and treatment should strictly follow the principle of 'symptom-based and standardized' medication to maximize health and safety.