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Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
05:38

Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B

Published on: January 30, 2017

Influenza A and B virus infections in children

Ville Peltola1, Thedi Ziegler, Olli Ruuskanen

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. ville.peltola@stjude.org

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|January 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric influenza hospitalizations primarily affect previously healthy infants and young children. Laboratory confirmation is crucial as symptoms in children are less distinct than in adults.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Influenza is a significant respiratory illness in children, often requiring hospitalization.
  • Understanding the clinical profile of severe pediatric influenza is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze clinical manifestations, age distribution, and comorbidities in hospitalized children with influenza.
  • To highlight the importance of laboratory confirmation for pediatric influenza diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of children treated at Turku University Hospital from 1980-1999.
  • Analysis of nasopharyngeal aspirates for Influenza A or B antigen detection.
  • Review of clinical data, including symptoms and underlying conditions.

Main Results:

  • Influenza A median age was 2.0 years; Influenza B median age was 4.2 years.
  • 24% developed acute otitis media; 9% developed pneumonia.
  • Most hospitalized children were previously healthy infants and young children.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric influenza hospitalizations predominantly involve previously healthy young children.
  • Clinical presentation of influenza in children is less characteristic than in adults, underscoring the need for laboratory confirmation.
  • Influenza poses a significant risk for severe outcomes like otitis media and pneumonia in pediatric populations.

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