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A comparison of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections among infants admitted to hospital with acute respiratory infections

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

E. O. Caul ,
D. K. Waller ,
S. K. R. Clarke  and
B. D. Corner
E. O. Caul
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Myrtle Road, Kinysdown, Bristol BS2 8EL
D. K. Waller
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Myrtle Road, Kinysdown, Bristol BS2 8EL
S. K. R. Clarke
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Myrtle Road, Kinysdown, Bristol BS2 8EL
B. D. Corner
Affiliation:
Royal Hospital for Sick Children, St Michael's Hill, Bristol
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Among 741 children under 5 years admitted to hospital with respiratory infections during two winters, infection with influenza A virus was diagnosed in 70 (9%), with influenza B virus in 8 (1%), and with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 259 (35 %). Both influenza virus and RSV infections were diagnosed most frequently in children under the age of one year, and diagnosed more frequently in males than females. Influenza illnesses were more severe in boys than girls. Both infections occurred more often, but were not more severe, in children from a conurbation than in those from ‘rural’ areas. Convulsions were the cause of 36% of admissions with influenza A infections, but were rare in RSV infections. Bronchiolitis was the reason for 39% of admissions with RSV infections, but was rare in influenza infections. It is suggested that infants admitted to hospital are a good source of influenza virus strains for monitoring arttigenic variation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 77 , Issue 3 , December 1976 , pp. 383 - 392
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1976

References

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