Age distribution and hospitalization rates of patients with positive rapid influenza testing in a suburban ambulatory setting during the pandemic of novel H1N1 Influenza virus

Background:

New York City (NYC) is one of the initial sites of the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1 type) pandemic. Winthrop University hospital is located in Nassau County, approximately 28 miles from NYC. As of July 9, 2009 ninety eighth confirmed cases and 2 deaths in Nassau County have been attributed to the H1N1 virus. This study was performed to evaluate the most current trends in our community and to identify high risk age groups for hospitalization from influenza infection and comparison to NYC epidemiology.

Methods:

Results from 1183 consecutive nasal samples for Influenza A were retrospectively reviewed from patients presenting to Winthrop University Hospital's ED with influenza like symptoms between 3/1/09 and 6/30/09.

Age distribution and hospitalization rates by age group were analyzed to further delineate the epidemiology of Influenza A in a suburban hospital.

Results:

Infants less than 6 months and patients older than 65 years had the highest hospitalization rates.

Children 1-6 years had the highest rate of positive results, followed by the 7-12 years group making them the priority target in the containment of the outbreak spreading.

Conclusion:

The age distribution reflects what was seen in the adjacent urban community as published by CDC.