Introduction Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 has been identified as an important pathogen in childhood morbidity. Taking into account the post-pandemic situation in 2009, knowledge of the epidemiology of influenza in the paediatric population is essential for better targeting of strategies for clinical management, therapeutic and epidemiological control.

Objective To describe the profile of children hospitalised with suspected H1N1 infection in the paediatric ward of HEAC, during the year 2013.

Methods Cross-sectional, retrospective study, simple analytical paediatric hospitalizations for suspected H1N1.

Results and discussion During the study period 1039 paediatric hospitalizations were reported, including 349 (33%) for respiratory diseases. Of these, 21 (6%) used Oseltamivir Phosphate for suspected H1N1 from June, focusing more in winter and spring. The age ranged between 2 m and 11th with an average of 3.16 years. Male predominance 76.19%. The mean hospital stay was 10,33 days. Comorbidities such as encephalopathy, heart diseases, obesity in 17 (80.9%), and age <2 years in 10 (47.6%). Were referred to the Intensive Therapy 23.8%. Specific oropharyngeal swabs collected 9 (42.85%), 3 of these (14.28%) confirmed the diagnosis. All were classified as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, as the Protocol of the Ministry of Health Only 6 (28.5%) began specific therapy within the first 48 h, as recommended as an effective treatment.

Conclusion Influenza will remain a challenge for medicine over the years, requiring proactive management. The epidemiological report suspected front, start the appropriate therapy, the specific diagnostic screening and recognition of clinical severity, can contribute significantly in the control of H1N1.