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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
A Luciferase-fluorescent Reporter Influenza Virus for Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection
Published on: August 14, 2019
[Hospitalization due to influenza in children in Santiago, Chile, 2001-2005]
Luis E Vega-Briceño1, Lisbeth Platzer M, M Angeliza Oyarzún A
1Departamento de Pediatría, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile. levega@puc.cl
Insights
Influenza causes significant hospitalizations in children, particularly those under two years old. This study highlights common symptoms like fever and cough, and frequent complications such as pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Influenza poses a substantial burden on pediatric healthcare systems, leading to high hospitalization rates and severe complications.
- Understanding the clinical and epidemiological profile of influenza in children is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose:
- To characterize the clinical presentation and epidemiological patterns of influenza infections in hospitalized children.
- To identify risk factors, common symptoms, and complications associated with pediatric influenza.
Summary:
- A review of 3570 respiratory admissions identified 124 cases (3.5%) of influenza in children aged 15 days to 14 years.
- The majority of cases (75%) occurred between April and June, with a median age of 20.5 months; 60% were under two years old.
- Fever and dry cough were prevalent symptoms. Pneumonia was the most common complication (53%), and 75% of children required oxygen support. No deaths were reported.
Impact:
- Influenza virus infections can lead to serious health outcomes in children, especially those under two years.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and management strategies for influenza in young children.
- This research contributes to the understanding of influenza's impact on pediatric populations, informing clinical practice and health policy.
Background:
Influenza cause high hospitalization rates and complications in children.
Objective:
To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza infection in hospitalized children.
Patients And Methods:
In Universidad Católica Hospital, all hospitalizations due to influenza in children aged 15 days to 14 years, occurring between January 2001 and December 2005 were reviewed.
Results:
Of a total of 3570 admissions associated with a respiratory illness, 124 (3.5%) were due to influenza, of which 75% presented between the months of April and June. Median age was 20.5 months (60% younger than 2 years) and 24% had an underlying risk factor. Most common symptoms were fever (94%) and dry cough (61%) and 75% of the children required oxygen. The most frequent complication was pneumonia (53%). The mean duration of hospitalization and oxygen use were 4.4 and 2.5 days respectively. Fifty two children (49.1%) received an antibiotic and nine children were admitted to intensive care unit. No deaths were recorded.
Conclusion:
Influenza virus cause serious complications and affects mostly healthy children younger than 2 years.
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