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Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Burden and Clinical Characteristics of Influenza and Its Complications in Children Across Multiple Epidemic Seasons
Arianna Dondi1,2, Fiorentina Guida1,2, Ludovica Trombetta3
1Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Insights
Seasonal influenza poses significant risks for children, leading to hospitalization and complications like encephalopathy. Younger children face higher risks, underscoring the need for pediatric vaccination and surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Seasonal influenza is a significant pediatric health concern, causing morbidity, hospitalizations, and socioeconomic impact.
- Children are vulnerable to severe influenza complications, necessitating a deeper understanding of risk factors and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric influenza cases.
- To identify risk factors associated with severe influenza complications and hospitalization in children.
- To evaluate the epidemiological trends of influenza A and B in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of 1046 children (0-14 years) with laboratory-confirmed influenza.
- Data collected from a tertiary pediatric emergency department over three epidemic seasons (2022-2025).
- Analysis focused on overall cohort and subgroup with severe complications requiring hospitalization.
Main Results:
- 12.3% of children required hospitalization; 6.1% experienced complications (encephalopathy, lower respiratory tract infections, myositis).
- Influenza A predominated overall, but Influenza B surged in the last season, linked to myositis.
- Younger age was a consistent risk factor for increased severity and hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Younger children are at higher risk for severe influenza complications and hospitalization.
- Findings emphasize the importance of active surveillance, clinical monitoring, and targeted pediatric vaccination.
- Influenza management in children requires ongoing vigilance and tailored public health strategies.
Abstract:
Seasonal influenza is a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization in children, with the potential for severe complications and considerable socioeconomic impact. We conducted a retrospective observational study including 1046 children aged 0-14 years with laboratory-confirmed influenza who accessed the Paediatric Emergency Department of a tertiary center in Bologna, Italy, across three consecutive epidemic seasons (2022-2025). While the entire cohort was analysed, particular attention was given to children with severe complications requiring hospitalization, for whom more detailed clinical and laboratory data were available. Overall, 12.3% of patients required hospitalization, and 6.1% experienced complications, most frequently influenza-associated encephalopathy, lower respiratory tract infections and myositis. Influenza A predominated overall (82.0%), except for in the last season, which saw a predominance of influenza B (57.4%), closely associated with myositis and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels. Younger age was consistently associated with increased severity and hospitalization. Intensive care admissions were rare (0.8%), and no deaths were recorded. Our findings suggest that, although influenza is generally self-limiting, younger children are at higher risk of complications. These results highlight the importance of active surveillance, careful monitoring of clinical manifestations and targeted paediatric vaccination strategies to reduce the burden of seasonal influenza.
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