Debunking Myths About Flu Treatment and Neuropsychiatric Risks in Children

For many years, there has been debate among healthcare professionals about whether antiviral medications like oseltamivir (commonly known as Tamiflu) contribute to neuropsychiatric events in children, or if such events are solely due to the flu infection itself. Recent research conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center has provided new insights, challenging longstanding misconceptions.

A comprehensive study published in JAMA Neurology examined data from over 690,000 children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 who were enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid between 2016 and 2020. The study sought to determine the relationship between flu treatment, particularly oseltamivir, and serious neuropsychiatric complications, which include seizures, altered mental states, hallucinations, mood disorders, and suicidal behaviors.

The findings indicate that influenza infection significantly increases the risk of neuropsychiatric events compared to children without the flu, regardless of whether they received oseltamivir. Furthermore, children with influenza treated with oseltamivir experienced approximately a 50% reduction in these serious events. Interestingly, children without influenza who were given oseltamivir as a preventive measure showed no increased risk of neuropsychiatric issues, aligning with baseline levels.

Principal investigator Dr. James Antoon emphasized that the data clearly refute the idea that oseltamivir worsens neuropsychiatric outcomes. Instead, the evidence suggests that the influenza virus itself is the primary culprit behind these complications, and that oseltamivir may actually help reduce the risk.

The study analyzed clinical outcomes such as seizures, encephalitis, movement disorders, vision changes, sleep disturbances, and psychiatric symptoms like hallucinations and mood disorders. During the study period, there were over 1,200 serious neuropsychiatric events, with the highest incidence linked to influenza infections.

Devices like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend early use of antiviral treatments like oseltamivir, which the research supports as both safe and effective. Senior author Dr. Carlos Grijalva highlighted that these findings offer confidence to healthcare providers and families alike, confirming that the medication does not increase the risk of neuropsychiatric complications.

Overall, this research underscores the importance of treating influenza early and dispels myths about the risks associated with flu antiviral medications. It also stresses the importance of understanding the true cause of neurologic and psychiatric events during flu episodes, which is primarily the virus itself, not the medication used.

Source: Medical Xpress