Based on local guidelines, antiviral treatment would be considered for severe or critical cases and high-risk patients infected with the influenza A pandemic (H1N1) virus within 48 h of onset. For patients who presented later than 2 days, the managing physicians were allowed to make decisions regarding antiviral use. Oseltamivir, given to patients older than 12 years, was prescribed according to the standard dosing regimen (75 mg twice daily orally, for 5 days). Dosage adjustment, whenever necessary, were based on the patient's renal function (75 mg daily, if creatinine clearance is <30 mL/min). For children (1-12 years old), dosage adjustments were based on body weight (BW), that is: 30 mg twice daily for children with BW < 15 kg; 45 mg twice daily for BW 15-23 kg; 60 mg twice daily for BW 23-40 kg; and 75 mg twice daily for BW > 40 kg. Accordingly, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were treated with high dose glucocorticoids over a short period of time, which has been proven beneficial and safe.