Influenza a H1N1 characteristics on hajj occasion 2018 Makkah Region, KSA.

Objectives: To see the clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of influenza A (H1N1) infection on hajj occasion 2018. Introduction: World Health Organization in 2009 declared H1N1 as pandemic, when about 70 countries documented approximately 30,000 cases of H1N1 infection. Saudi Arabia is representing a hot zone for influenza virus epidemics especially during Hajj gathering. Commonly H1N1 infection presents with flue like symptoms. Influenza infection is a major public health threat especially area like Makkah. Study Design: It was observational study. Setting: Done in Security Forces Hospital Makkah. Period: On hajj occasion from July to August 2018. Material and Methods: Total 50 admitted patients in isolation were included in study. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Results: In this study 08% patients had H1N1 +ve out of total patients included in study. Predominantly (75%) were < 14 years with 75% males. The most common presenting symptoms of these patients were Cough (100%), Fever (100%), breathlessness (75%), throat pain (50%), runny nose (75%), headache and lethargy (50%). Twenty five percent patients had hypoxia. Leukopenia was seen in 50% patients and thrombocytopenia was not documented in any patient. Liver Function Tests were deranged in 75% patients and Renal Function Tests were normal in all patients. Number of complications (pneumonia) was 25%. Conclusion: Clinical features and serological markers of influenza A +ve patients were same as reports globally and in KSA.