Impact of School Sessions on H1N1 Influenza Rates
Author Information
Author(s): Olivia Briffault
Primary Institution: Hunter College High School
Hypothesis
Does the status of school sessions affect the prevalence of H1N1 influenza?
Conclusion
Influenza rates are significantly higher when children are in school compared to when they are not.
Supporting Evidence
- Influenza-like illness rates were significantly lower in areas where schools were not in session.
- The average ILI rate was 2.8%, with higher rates in areas where schools were in session.
- The difference in ILI rates was 1.6 percentage points over the full period.
Takeaway
When kids are in school, more people get sick with the flu than when they're not in school.
Methodology
The study compared weekly influenza-like illness rates in areas with schools in session versus those without, using data from public health departments.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on data from the largest school district in each state.
Limitations
Measurement error in ILI rates and variability in school closure dates across districts may affect results.
Participant Demographics
Data collected from 21 areas across the United States.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
99%
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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