Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
A Luciferase-fluorescent Reporter Influenza Virus for Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection
Published on: August 14, 2019
Burden, Risk Factors, and Clinical Outcomes of Pediatric Influenza in a Population with Extremely Low Vaccine
Kubra Aykac1, Hacer Yakin1, Eylul Dogan Ickin2
1Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye.
Insights
Influenza causes severe illness in children, with underlying conditions increasing the need for respiratory support and risk of death. Influenza vaccination is crucial for high-risk pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Influenza is a significant cause of severe respiratory illness in children, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions.
- Identifying risk factors for severe outcomes in pediatric influenza is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine clinical characteristics and risk factors for respiratory support and mortality in hospitalized children with influenza.
- To evaluate the impact of underlying diseases and coinfections on influenza outcomes in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, multicenter study analyzed data from 1032 pediatric inpatients (<18 years) diagnosed with influenza between October 2023 and May 2024 across 33 hospitals in Türkiye.
- Comparison of clinical features and outcomes between children requiring respiratory support and those who did not.
Main Results:
- 38.2% of hospitalized children required respiratory support, with younger age and higher frequency of underlying diseases (neurometabolic, pulmonary) being significant factors.
- Influenza A, viral coinfections (e.g., RSV), and underlying conditions increased the need for mechanical ventilation and mortality.
- Overall mortality was 1.3%, with very low influenza vaccine coverage (1.1%) in the study population.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric influenza poses a substantial risk, necessitating enhanced preventive strategies.
- Incorporating influenza vaccination into national immunization programs is vital for protecting high-risk children.
Objective:
Influenza is a contagious viral respiratory tract infection that causes severe illness, particularly in high-risk populations such as young children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The study aims to identify clinical characteristics and key risk factors associated with respiratory support and mortality in children with influenza infection.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective, multicenter study was conducted across 33 hospitals from 19 cities in Türkiye. Data from pediatric inpatients aged <18 years diagnosed with influenza between October 2023 and May 2024 were analyzed.
Results:
Among 1032 hospitalized children infected with influenza, 394 (38.2%) required respiratory support. The respiratory support group was significantly younger, with a mean age of 3.40 ± 4.37 years, compared to 4.96 ± 4.36 years in the non-respiratory support group (P < .001). The frequency of any underlying disease was significantly higher in the respiratory support group (P < .001). Notably, conditions such as neurometabolic disorders (20.3% vs. 9.6%) and pulmonary diseases (7.1% vs. 2.8%) were more common in this group. Influenza A infection and viral coinfections, particularly with respiratory syncytial virus, increased the likelihood of mechanical ventilation and mortality. The mortality proportion of all patients with influenza infection was 1.3% and the influenza vaccine coverage was only 1.1%.
Conclusion:
These findings highlight the urgent need to incorporate influenza vaccination into the national immunization program, especially for high-risk pediatric populations.
More Related Videos
08:52Use of an Influenza Antigen Microarray to Measure the Breadth of Serum Antibodies Across Virus Subtypes
Published on: July 26, 2019
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:27Influenza
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...