Distinguishing Characteristics between Pandemic 2009–2010 Influenza A (H1N1) and Other Viruses in Patients Hospitalized with Respiratory Illness

2011

Differences Between Pandemic H1N1 and Other Respiratory Viruses

Sample size: 615 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chan Philip A., Mermel Leonard A., Andrea Sarah B., McCulloh Russell, Mills John P., Echenique Ignacio, Leveen Emily, Rybak Natasha, Cunha Cheston, Machan Jason T., Healey Terrance T., Chapin Kimberle C.

Primary Institution: Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America

Hypothesis

What are the clinical differences between patients infected with pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and those infected with other respiratory viruses?

Conclusion

Patients with pandemic H1N1 had higher mortality rates and distinct clinical presentations compared to those with other respiratory viruses.

Supporting Evidence

Patients with H1N1 were more likely to present with fever and cough compared to those with other viruses.
The mortality rate for patients with H1N1 was higher than for those with other respiratory viruses.
Over half of the patients with documented viral infections received antibacterial agents.

Takeaway

This study found that kids and young adults are more likely to get sick from the H1N1 flu, and they often show different symptoms than those with other colds or flus.