Natural course of fever during influenza virus infection in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Influenza virus infections are common in children.
• Understanding fever patterns is crucial for clinical management.
• The 2001-2002 influenza season involved strains A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail fever profiles in children infected with influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B during the 2001-2002 epidemic.
• To analyze factors influencing fever duration and severity.

Main Methods:

• Detailed fever monitoring in 118 children with confirmed influenza.
• Acetaminophen administered for temperatures >39.0°C.
• Analysis of fever patterns based on influenza type, age, and temperature.

Main Results:

• Fever was most pronounced in influenza A/H3N2 infections and younger children.
• Secondary fever spikes were frequently observed between 72 and 132 hours post-onset.
• Fever duration correlated negatively with child's age and positively with maximum temperature.

Conclusions:

• Fever characteristics vary significantly with influenza type and patient age.
• Secondary fever patterns provide insights into the viral infection course.
• This data predates widespread antiviral therapies like oseltamivir, offering a baseline understanding.