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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

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Published on: December 10, 2013

Influenza a in young children with suspected respiratory syncytial virus infection

Marla J Friedman1, Magdy W Attia

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA.

Academic Emergency Medicine : Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
|December 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Influenza A is common in young children with suspected respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Clinicians should consider influenza A in febrile children with respiratory symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A are common causes of respiratory illness in young children.
  • Differentiating between RSV and influenza A based on clinical presentation alone can be challenging.
  • Understanding the prevalence of influenza A in children suspected of RSV is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of influenza A in young children with suspected RSV infection.
  • To compare the clinical features of children with influenza A versus those with RSV.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study of children younger than 36 months presenting with suspected RSV infection during the 2001-2002 influenza A season.
  • Eligible children had an RSV antigen test ordered.
  • Prevalence of influenza A and clinical presentations were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Of 197 eligible patients, 63% tested positive for RSV and 17% for influenza A.
  • Influenza A patients had higher fevers (≥39°C) compared to RSV patients (36% vs. 15%).
  • RSV patients exhibited more tachypnea and wheezing than influenza A patients.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza A has a high prevalence in young children initially suspected of having RSV infection.
  • Clinicians should consider testing for influenza A in young febrile children presenting with respiratory symptoms.
Abstract

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