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[Influenza virus in pediatrics. A reason for hospitalization]
Marta Cruz-Cañete1, David Moreno-Pérez, Antonio Jurado-Ortiz
1Unidad de Infectología e Inmunodeficiencias, Departamento de Pediatría, Hospital Materno-Infantil, Centro Hospitalario Carlos Haya, Malaga, España. macruca@gmail.com
Insights
Influenza is a significant cause of hospitalization in young children, especially those under 24 months. Early diagnosis and increased flu vaccination coverage are crucial for managing this respiratory illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Public Health
Context:
- Influenza in infants and children often presents with non-specific symptoms, mimicking other respiratory viral infections.
- Infants under 24 months are a high-risk group, and school-aged children are primary vectors for influenza transmission.
- Hospitalized children often have co-infections and present with gastrointestinal symptoms alongside respiratory issues.
Purpose:
- To characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of hospitalized children with influenza.
- To compare influenza cases with other viral respiratory infections.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a rapid influenza diagnostic test.
Summary:
- A prospective study analyzed 203 hospitalized children under 5 years old.
- Influenza was detected in 11.3% of cases, with frequent co-infections, primarily influenza A with RSV-A.
- The rapid diagnostic test showed low sensitivity (45.5%). Influenza patients, particularly infants, exhibited more gastrointestinal symptoms. Vaccination coverage was low (2.9%).
Impact:
- Influenza is a major cause of pediatric hospitalization, particularly in infants under 24 months.
- Timely influenza diagnosis can prevent unnecessary testing and antibiotic use.
- Low vaccination rates highlight the need for increased influenza immunization in children aged 6-24 months.
Introduction:
Influenza infection in infants and children has been classically underestimated due to its non-specific symptoms, which sometimes overlap those of other respiratory viruses. Infants under 24 months are a risk group and school-aged children are a major source of influenza infection. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children hospitalized for flu, including co-infections and the differences as compared to other respiratory viruses. The effectiveness of a test for rapid diagnosis of this condition was assessed.
Material And Methods:
Prospective, descriptive study in children < 5 years of age hospitalized from 1 December 2003 to 28 February 2004 with respiratory processes or fever of unknown origin. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for influenza A (IA) and B, respiratory syncytial virus A (RSV-A) and B, and parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3 was performed in nasopharyngeal aspirate, as well as a test for rapid diagnosis of influenza.
Results:
A total of 203 samples were included. PCR was positive for influenza in 11.3% (23/203); IA in 21 cases (20 H3N2, 1 H1N1). Co-infections were frequent (10/23), mainly IA with RSV-A. The rapid diagnostic test had a sensitivity of 45.5%. Median age of patients with flu was 4.87 months (5 days-3.5 years); 69.5% were < 24 months. Gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with fever and respiratory symptoms more often than in other viral infections (P < 0.05). Only 2.9% of patients with a recommendation for flu vaccination had received the vaccination.
Conclusions:
Flu is a major cause of hospitalization in infants and children, particularly those aged < 24 months. Early diagnosis of this condition may avoid unnecessary use of additional tests and antibiotics. Vaccination coverage is low; vaccination between 6 and 24 months seems advisable.
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