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Comparison of influenza A and influenza B virus infection in hospitalized children
Author(s) -
Daley Aj,
Nallusamy R,
Isaacs D
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1754.2000.00533.x
Subject(s) - medicine , virology , virus , influenza a virus , orthomyxoviridae , influenzavirus b , pediatrics
Background : Influenza A and B viruses were cocirculating in Australia in the winter of 1997. Objective : To compare the clinical and demographic features of children with influenza A or influenza B virus infection admitted to a paediatric tertiary referral centre. Methodology : Retrospective chart review of 91 hospitalized children with culture‐proven influenza A or B virus infection during 1997. Results : Thirty‐six (56%) of 64 children with influenza A were under 12 months of age compared with seven (26%) of 27 children with influenza B virus infection ( P = 0.02). Influenza B virus infection was more common in children with underlying medical problems ( P = 0.01). Neurological manifestations were present in eight (12.5%) of 64 children with influenza A and none with influenza B virus infection ( P = 0.09). There were no significant differences in signs and symptoms of children with influenza A and B virus infection, in severity of illness or in duration of hospital stay. Conclusions : A greater proportion of children admitted with influenza A virus infection were under 12 months of age. Influenza B virus infection is associated more commonly with underlying medical disorders. It is not possible to differentiate between influenza A or B virus infection from presenting clinical signs and symptoms.