Efficacy and Safety of Anti‐Influenza Drugs in 160 Chinese Children With Influenza A: A Retrospective Study

Aim In this study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of real‐world implications for the therapeutic efficacy and safety of baloxavir marboxil, oseltamivir phosphate capsules and oseltamivir phosphate granules in the treatment of 160 Chinese children with influenza A. Methods This retrospective study included children aged 10–16 with influenza A treated at a hospital in Beijing between January 2023 and August 2024. Participants were categorised into three groups: oseltamivir capsule group ( n = 56), oseltamivir granule group ( n = 55) and baloxavir group ( n = 49). Clinical characteristics, epidemiology, therapeutic effects (e.g., fever clearance time, total illness duration and curative rate), drug costs and adverse reactions were compared among groups. Results No significant differences were found in demographics or initial symptoms ( p > 0.05). Fever clearance time and total illness duration were significantly shorter in the baloxavir group compared to the oseltamivir capsule group (both p < 0.01) and the oseltamivir granule group ( p < 0.01, p < 0.05) mainly in children with high fever. While the total effective rates were similar across groups, baloxavir showed a notably higher curative rate (84%, 41/49) than oseltamivir capsules (45%, 25/56) and granules (49%, 27/55) ( p < 0.01). Cost analysis indicated that oseltamivir capsules were the least expensive, with baloxavir being slightly less costly than oseltamivir granules ( p < 0.01). Conclusions Baloxavir marboxil exhibited superior efficacy in reducing fever and shortening the illness duration. Its single‐dose regimen enhances compliance with antiviral therapy, although it remains a relatively more expensive option. In contrast, oseltamivir granules enabled more accurate dosing, while oseltamivir capsules were the most cost‐effective treatment.