Doctors are warning parents not to administer Tamiflu to children without medical guidance, stressing that the antiviral drug should only be prescribed when a child exhibits flu symptoms and tests positive for influenza A or B.

Hospitals across Hanoi are reporting a surge in seasonal flu cases, particularly type A. Since early October, the National Children's Hospital has recorded over 3,720 flu cases, with 479 children requiring hospitalization.

Similarly, the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases is currently treating nearly 50 children with influenza A. The number of outpatient visits and treatments for this virus has been rapidly increasing over the past several weeks, with the majority of cases being children.

According to Dr. Nguyen Dinh Dung, a pediatrician at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, influenza A is an acute respiratory infection that can affect all age groups. However, young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable due to weakened immune systems and higher risk of complications.

“In its early stages, flu A can resemble other respiratory viral infections, but it may quickly worsen, potentially leading to complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or sepsis if not treated in time,” Dr. Dung noted.

Do not misuse Tamiflu

Amid the increasing number of flu cases, some parents are resorting to giving their children Tamiflu at the first signs of sneezing or a runny nose, hoping to hasten recovery and avoid complications.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Dr. Tran Thu Nguyet of the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine explained that Tamiflu is an antiviral medication prescribed for seasonal influenza, including in children.

“While Tamiflu doesn’t eliminate flu symptoms entirely, it can help reduce symptom severity, shorten illness duration, and lower the risk of complications,” she said.

Tamiflu has been approved for use in children as young as two weeks old since 1999. The medication is generally safe when used correctly, and its side effects are typically mild.

However, Tamiflu is a prescription-only antiviral - not to be confused with antibiotics - and should never be self-administered. “Just like antibiotics, Tamiflu must be prescribed by a doctor,” Dr. Nguyet emphasized.

Pediatricians may prescribe Tamiflu for children with symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue - but only when the child has tested positive for influenza A or B, and the drug is typically most effective when used within 48 hours of symptom onset.

“Parents should not administer Tamiflu unless instructed by a doctor. Self-medicating can be harmful,” Dr. Nguyet warned.

N. Huyen