Flu antivirals (pediatric)
Choose an influenza scenario and open the antiviral medication page for calculator support and safety notes. Reference tables below summarize common treatment vs prophylaxis patterns and oseltamivir weight bands.
Clinical note
Treatment vs prophylaxis (influenza)
High-level comparison only. Confirm age cutoffs, renal adjustments, and local guidance before prescribing. Link out to the medication page for calculator support.
| Scenario | Typical frequency | Typical duration | Notes | Medication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment (suspected or confirmed influenza, selected cases) | Typically twice daily | Typically 5 days | Start as early as feasible; align with local pathways and patient risk factors. | Oseltamivir |
| Post-exposure prophylaxis (selected exposures) | Typically once daily | Typically 7-10 days (protocol dependent) | Eligibility, timing, and outbreak setting affect decisions. | Oseltamivir |
These are common reference patterns for pediatrics and may vary by local pathway, viral season, and patient risk factors.
Oseltamivir weight-band + mL conversion (6 mg/mL suspension)
Common reference bands for the 6 mg/mL suspension. Verify the product concentration on the bottle and confirm age/renal adjustments per local guidance. This is not a substitute for clinician judgment.
| Weight band (kg) | Typical mg per dose | mL per dose (6 mg/mL) |
|---|---|---|
| <=15 kg | 30 mg | 5 mL |
| >15-23 kg | 45 mg | 7.5 mL |
| >23-40 kg | 60 mg | 10 mL |
| >40 kg | 75 mg | 12.5 mL |
Confirm age cutoffs, renal adjustments, and local guidance. Verify the suspension concentration before converting to mL.
Printable
Oseltamivir seasonal dosing (1-page)
Screen-readable quick reference with a separate disclaimer/download flow for print copies.
Choose by scenario
Influenza (treatment, selected cases)
Antivirals are most helpful when started early and for higher-risk children. Follow local guidance and testing pathways.
Influenza exposure (prevention, selected cases)
Post-exposure prevention is not for every exposure. Use local criteria and consider risk factors.
Related hubs
FAQs
It includes quick reference tables for influenza treatment vs prophylaxis and common oseltamivir weight bands. Use the medication page for the full calculator, age cutoffs, and safety notes.
Treatment decisions depend on timing, severity, and risk factors. Follow local guidance and clinician judgment.
Many pathways recommend rapid testing in specific scenarios to guide treatment and isolation decisions. Follow local testing guidance.