Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

A Luciferase-fluorescent Reporter Influenza Virus for Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection
Published on: August 14, 2019
Paediatric mortality related to pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection in England: an observational population-based
Nabihah Sachedina1, Liam J Donaldson
1Department of Health, London, UK.
Insights
Pandemic influenza A H1N1 caused significant childhood mortality, particularly in infants and certain ethnic minority groups. Vaccination and early care are crucial for high-risk children to prevent severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pandemic influenza A H1N1 disproportionately impacted young people.
- Analysis of pediatric mortality is vital for future pandemic preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze pediatric mortality associated with pandemic influenza A H1N1.
- To inform clinical and public health policies for future influenza seasons.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric deaths in England (June 2009-March 2010).
- Data collected via daily reporting, record cross-checking, and laboratory/death certificate confirmation.
- Population and case-fatality rates were primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- 70 pediatric deaths were reported, with a childhood mortality rate of 6 per million.
- Infants (<1 year) and children from Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnic groups faced higher mortality rates.
- Severe pre-existing disorders, especially chronic neurological disease, increased mortality risk; 21% of deceased children were previously healthy.
Conclusions:
- Vaccination priority should target children at high risk of severe influenza illness or death.
- High-risk groups include those with specific pre-existing disorders and certain ethnic minorities.
- Early pre-hospital supportive and therapeutic care is essential for improving outcomes.
Background:
Young people (aged 0-18 years) have been disproportionately affected by pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection. We aimed to analyse paediatric mortality to inform clinical and public health policies for future influenza seasons and pandemics.
Methods:
All paediatric deaths related to pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection from June 26, 2009, to March 22, 2010 in England were identified through daily reporting systems and cross-checking of records and were validated by confirmation of influenza infection by laboratory results or death certificates. Clinicians responsible for each individual child provided detailed information about past medical history, presentation, and clinical course of the acute illness. Case estimates of influenza A H1N1 were obtained from the Health Protection Agency. The primary outcome measures were population mortality rates and case-fatality rates.
Findings:
70 paediatric deaths related to pandemic influenza A H1N1 were reported. Childhood mortality rate was 6 per million population. The rate was highest for children aged less than 1 year. Mortality rates were higher for Bangladeshi children (47 deaths per million population [95% CI 17-103]) and Pakistani children (36 deaths per million population [18-64]) than for white British children (4 deaths per million [3-6]). 15 (21%) children who died were previously healthy; 45 (64%) had severe pre-existing disorders. The highest age-standardised mortality rate for a pre-existing disorder was for chronic neurological disease (1536 per million population). 19 (27%) deaths occurred before inpatient admission. Children in this subgroup were significantly more likely to have been healthy or had only mild pre-existing disorders than those who died after admission (p=0·0109). Overall, 45 (64%) children had received oseltamivir: seven within 48 h of symptom onset.
Interpretation:
Vaccination priority should be for children at increased risk of severe illness or death from influenza. This group might include those with specified pre-existing disorders and those in some ethnic minority groups. Early pre-hospital supportive and therapeutic care is also important.
Funding:
Department of Health, UK.
Related Concept Videos
Influenza
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
