Abstract

CLINICAL SCENARIO OF INFLUENZA A PANDEMIC (pH1N1) FLU INFECTED PATIENTS AT TERTIARY REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN INDIA

Nivedita Tiwari,Sheetal Verma, Tapan N. Dhole*.

Abstract

H1N1 subtype of pandemic 2009 (pH1N1) influenza virus lineages has raised severe concerns about its pandemic potentiality. Clinical and epidemiological factors associated and outcome for this virus remain unclear in subcontinent. We analyzed data obtained from such patients to characterize the epidemiological characteristics of H1N1 cases in India. A prospective observational study among suspected cases with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) infection in North India between 2009 to 2014. The presence of the H1N1virus was done by RT-PCR. Information of clinical and demographic characteristics were collected on proforma and Hospital information system. A total of 5090, 947(18.6%) cases found positive for pandemic flu Influenza A virus and 535 males and 412 females patients. The majority were between the age group of 6-20 years and predominantly males. The median duration of symptoms before hospitalization was 7(2-30) days. Common presenting symptoms were fever in 902 (95.23%), cough in 872 (92.06%), breathlessness in 842 (88.88%), chest pain in 706 (74.60%), diarrhea in 315(33.33%). 30 patient (3.1%) required ventilatory support. Cause of death was multi-organ failure in 10 patients (1.05%). Severe disease and complications can occur due to influenza infection that can lead to hospitalization and death. Young persons and those with medical co-morbid conditions (like asthma, diabetes, and cardiac disease) wereaffected. The mainstay of treatment depends on antiviral medications. Vaccination must be employed in community for target population for preventing influenza illness and effective control of epidemics.

Keywords: pH1N1; Influenza; Mortality; Respiratory illness; Pneumonia.