The epidemiology of hospitalized influenza in children, a two year population-based study in the People's Republic of China

Abstract

BackgroundThe epidemiology and disease burden of annual influenza in children in mainland People's Republic of China have not been reported in detail. To understand the incidence and epidemiology of laboratory-proven influenza hospitalization in children in China, a review of available laboratory and hospital admission data was undertaken.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective population-based study in Suzhou and the surrounding area of Jiangsu province, China for hospitalized cases of respiratory illness at Suzhou Children's Hospital. Cases of pneumonia or respiratory illness were identified from hospital computer data bases. Routine virological testing by fluorescent monoclonal antibody assay of all hospitalized children identified influenza and other viruses. We calculated incidence rates using census population denominators.ResultsOf 7,789 specimens obtained during 2007 and 2008, 85 were positive for influenza A and 25 for influenza B. There were 282 specimens with parainfluenza virus and 1392 with RSV. Influenza occurred throughout the year, with peaks in the winter, and in August/September. Overall estimated annual incidence of laboratory-proven influenza hospitalization was 23-27/100,000 children 0-4 years old, and 60/100,000 in infants 0-6 months, with an average hospitalization of 9 days.ConclusionsInfluenza disease in young children in this part of China is a relatively common cause of hospitalization, and occurs throughout the year. The use of influenza vaccine in Chinese children has the potential to reduce the effect of influenza in the children, as well as in their communities. Studies are needed to further assess the burden of influenza, and to develop and refine effective strategies of immunization of young children in China.

Epidemiology and ARIMA model of positive-rate of influenza viruses among children in Wuhan, China: A nine-year retrospective study

“…Substantial evidence indicates that immunization of young children can reduce the incidence of influenza (Reichert, 2002;Jordan et al, 2006). In China, influenza vaccination is not routinely recommended, and immunization of children is uncommon (Ji et al, 2010). To provide effective strategies for influenza prevention, control, and vaccination among young children in China, the epidemiological and virological characteristics of different influenza virus subtypes infecting children must be understood.…”

Socio-Economic Burden of Influenza among Children Younger than 5 Years in the Outpatient Setting in Suzhou, China

“…Influenza vaccination is not routinely recommended in China and immunization of children is uncommon [18]. Policy decisions regarding influenza vaccination in children require an accurate evaluation of the socio-economic burden of laboratory-confirmed influenza at the population level [19].…”

Pooled influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for Australia, 2012–2014

“…50%) is extremely limited and a sample consisting of at least 365 influenza-positive cases is required to gain statistical significance (assuming a case-control ratio of 3:1, at α = 0·05, β = 0·2). Infections in children are proportionally more common than infections in adults and the health and economic costs of infection in this group are significant [39][40][41][42][43]. However, reliable information on the effectiveness of the inactivated vaccine in children is scant [44].…”