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Pandemic influenza: Experience in a flu OPD of a tertiary care hospital
S H Mahesh1, A S Kushwaha2, Atul Kotwal3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sree Siddartha Medical College, Tumkur, India.
Background:
In April 2009, Mexican health authorities announced an outbreak of a novel H1N1 influenza virus, which subsequently caused a pandemic. The world is now moving into the post-pandemic period. The experience gained in handling this pandemic at various levels under different settings has provided us many lessons for the future.
Objective:
To study the profile of various activities undertaken at flu screening centre as a response to pandemic influenza in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods:
Record-based study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Pune. Required data was collected from records of flu OPD, ward and local health authority and interviewing related staff. Study included data from October 2009 to October 2010.
Results:
A total of 8020 people presenting with influenza like illness (ILI) were screened in the flu OPD under study. Out of these, only 388 (4.84%) met clinical criteria where throat samples were collected, out of which only 81 were found to be positive (20.88%). Total three fatalities (3.7%) occurred out of 81 who had tested positive. Most cases of flu were managed at home (76.54%) while only 19 (23.4%) lab confirmed cases of H1N1 required hospitalisation.
Conclusion:
Majority of cases of H1N1 (2009) were managed at home. Early diagnosis, quick initiation of treatment, infection control measures, and good care at the hospital can effectively reduce morbidity and mortality in H1N1 pandemic.
Insights
Most H1N1 influenza cases were managed at home, with early diagnosis and treatment reducing severe outcomes. This study offers valuable lessons for future pandemic influenza responses.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak evolved into a global pandemic, highlighting the need for effective public health responses.
- The post-pandemic era offers an opportunity to analyze experiences and derive lessons for future pandemic preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the activities and outcomes at a flu screening center during the H1N1 pandemic response in a tertiary care hospital.
- To understand the profile of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases and H1N1 testing in a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A record-based study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pune, India, from October 2009 to October 2010.
- Data were collected from flu outpatient department (OPD) and ward records, local health authority data, and staff interviews.
Main Results:
- 8020 individuals with ILI were screened; only 388 (4.84%) met clinical criteria for sample collection.
- Of the collected samples, 81 (20.88%) tested positive for H1N1, with 3 fatalities (3.7%).
- The majority of H1N1 cases (76.54%) were managed at home, while only 19 (23.4%) confirmed cases required hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Most H1N1 influenza cases identified during the study period were managed on an outpatient basis.
- Effective pandemic management relies on early diagnosis, prompt treatment, stringent infection control, and quality hospital care to minimize morbidity and mortality.
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