Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Influenza-like illness among university students: symptom severity and duration due to influenza virus infection
Jocelyn Mullins1, Robert Cook, Charles Rinaldo
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Objective:
University students with influenza-like illness (ILI) were assessed to determine whether symptom severity, duration, or missed days of school or work varied according to etiology.
Participants:
Sixty persons presenting to a university health clinic with ILI symptoms during 3 consecutive influenza seasons completed baseline survey and viral testing; 51 (85%) completed follow-up.
Methods:
Influenza viral culture and polymerase chain reaction and respiratory virus immunofluorescence assay testing were performed. Information collected at baseline and follow-up included symptom occurrence, severity, duration, and numbers of days of work and school missed.
Results:
Influenza virus was confirmed in 63% of participants. Influenza-positive individuals were no more likely to report any symptom or miss more days of school or work. Self-reported severity and durations of symptoms were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
Students with influenza-associated ILI were similar to those with noninfluenza ILI with respect to severity, duration, and numbers of days of school and work missed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Influenza
Viral Meningitis
Stages of Infection
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Atypical Pneumonia

