Prevalence of influenza in children presented in pediatric emergency department

Introduction. Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection (ARI) of global importance caused by influenza viruses A and B. Each year, millions of children get sick: thousands of children are hospitalized, and some children die from flu. The aim of this study is primarily, to estimate the prevalence of influenza infection among children presented in the emergency department, secondary, to observe the clinical manifestations, complications and risk factors of influenza cases. Methods: This study was conducted from January to April 2024 at the University Hospital Centre: "Mother Theresa" Tirana, Albania. Children from 1month -14 years, with flu-like signs defined by CDC as fever plus cough or sore throat, were assessed for influenza disease using the RT-PCR test of nasopharyngeal (NHF) swab, and the results were compared. Results: From138 nasopharyngeal swabs examined 62(44.92%) resulted in influenza positive and 76(55.07%) influenza negative. About the types 43(69.35%) were type A and 19(30.65%) Type B, 32(74.41%) were A H1 and 11(17.74%) were AH3. There was no significant difference in almost all data between two groups (p>0.05) The most common complication was viral pneumonia 13(41.9%). Overall, this research shows a good correlation between ARIs and influenza viruses. Conclusions: Even though, a lot of study, especially in high income countries, have proven the benefits of influenza vaccines on ARIs, recently there has been noted a low rate of vaccination and a rising trend of influenza cases worldwide- so that, we believe they should take into consideration introducing the influenza vaccine in the main vaccination scheme.