A Rare Case of Influenza B Viral Pneumonia in a 10-Day-Old Neonate

Influenza B virus (IBV) is known to cause mild to severe respiratory disease in all age groups, but children under five, especially the neonatal age group, are particularly susceptible. IBV is an entity less known to cause disease in neonates. We report a rare case of IBV pneumonia in a 10-day-old neonate who presented to our facility. Baby on arrival was tachypneic and in severe respiratory distress. His suck, grasp, and Moro reflexes were sluggish on initial assessment. He was mechanically ventilated, and supportive respiratory therapy was commenced alongside oseltamivir, to which he responded well. He was discharged successfully after 10 days of hospitalization. Neonatologists should have a high index of suspicion for influenza, especially A/H1N1 and IBV, in neonates reporting with respiratory symptoms in late fall and early spring seasons.