Infections Caused by Influenza Viruses Among Children in Poland During the 2017/18 Epidemic Season

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Influenza poses a significant threat to children and adults.
• Seasonal vaccination, recommended from 6 months of age, is the primary prevention method for pediatric influenza.
• Understanding regional and age-specific influenza prevalence is vital for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and types of influenza viruses in Polish children up to 14 years during the 2017/18 epidemic season.
• To analyze age-stratified infection rates and identify specific influenza virus associations within different pediatric age groups.
• To compare the dominant influenza strains and their prevalence across various pediatric age demographics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of influenza infection data in children aged 0-14 years in Poland during the 2017/18 season.
• Stratification of pediatric populations into age groups: 0-4, 5-9, and 10-14 years.
• Identification and characterization of circulating influenza A (A/H1N1/pdm09, A/H3N2) and influenza B virus subtypes.

Main Results:

• Influenza A and B viruses co-dominated the 2017/18 season in Poland.
• Influenza A/H1N1/pdm09 was more prevalent than A/H3N2.
• Youngest children (0-4 years) showed highest vulnerability to influenza (mainly A) and influenza-like illnesses (often RSV); older children (10-14 years) were more affected by influenza B, with no RSV detected.

Conclusions:

• Influenza virus characteristics and prevalence vary significantly by season and age group in pediatric populations.
• Age-specific vulnerability to different influenza subtypes and other respiratory viruses like RSV is evident in children.
• Targeted public health interventions and vaccination strategies should consider age-related patterns of influenza infection in children.