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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
[Analysis of 12 children with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection]
Xin-bao Xie1, Qi-rong Zhu, Yan-ling Ge
1Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
Insights
The 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) virus caused mild illness in most children, with prompt isolation and treatment leading to recovery. Antiviral treatments showed no major adverse effects in this pediatric study.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- The emergence of a novel influenza A (H1N1) strain in 2009 necessitated rapid public health responses.
- Pandemic preparedness plans were activated globally due to the widespread transmission of the H1N1 virus.
- Understanding the clinical characteristics of H1N1 infection in children was crucial for effective management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of children infected with the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.
- To analyze the symptoms, disease course, and treatment outcomes in pediatric H1N1 cases.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of antiviral treatment in children with H1N1 influenza.
Summary:
- This study analyzed 12 pediatric cases of influenza A (H1N1) diagnosed in China between May and July 2009.
- The majority of children presented with classic influenza symptoms such as fever and cough, with a few developing pneumonia.
- Prompt isolation, treatment with oseltamivir, and supportive care led to complete recovery in all hospitalized children, with a median hospital stay of 8.1 days.
Impact:
- The findings indicate that most children experience a mild clinical course with prompt management.
- The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for pediatric H1N1 cases.
- Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse geographical data is recommended to fully understand H1N1 characteristics in children.
Objective:
Since late March 2009, a novel influenza H1N1 strain emerged in humans in Mexico and the United States. It has rapidly spread to many countries on different continents, prompting unprecedented activation of pandemic preparedness plans. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of children with the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
Method:
Twelve cases with influenza A (H1N1) infection were diagnosed according to the criteria of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of China during 1 May to 15 July 2009 in the Pediatric Hospital of Fudan University were analyzed. Influenza A (H1N1) RNA was detected by RT-PCR in CDC Shanghai China.
Result:
All the 12 children with the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection were imported cases, aged from 11 months to 14 years 7 months, 7 of whom were boys, 5 were girls. Five cases contacted closely with influenza A (H1N1) patients; 12 cases had fever and no vomiting or diarrhea; 7 had cough or runny nose or anorexia. One had shortness of breath. Of the 11 cases who could tell about symptoms correctly, 6 had sore throat, 3 had stomachache, and none had muscle pain. Two of the 12 cases had pneumonia, and the disease in 1 of them was fatal and needed intensive care. One case was isolated and treated at home. The 11 cases hospitalized were treated according to the guidance of influenza A (H1N1) diagnosis and treatment issued by the Ministry of Health of China. Ten hospitalized cases were treated with oseltamivir. All the cases recovered completely. The median length of hospital stay was 8.1 days (range, 6 to 16), and the time of negative test results of influenza A (H1N1) RNA from illness onset to collection of samples for viral testing was from 5 to 15 days.
Conclusion:
Symptoms among children with the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection were classic and the majority of the cases we treated had a mild clinical course if they were isolated and treated promptly. Antivirals appears to have not had any major adverse effects. More data from different regions and large samples are needed to illuminate the characteristics of children with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
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