The month of July: an early experience with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in adults with cystic fibrosis.
BACKGROUND
Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 is a novel viral infection that emerged in March 2009. This is the first report addressing the clinical course of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and H1N1 infection.


METHODS
All patients with an influenza-like illness (ILI) attending our adult centre during July 2009 were identified. Baseline respiratory function, nutritional status, approach to management and short-term clinical course were recorded.


RESULTS
Most patients experienced a mild course and were able to be managed with antiviral agents as an outpatient. Robust infection control policies were implemented to limit transmission of H1N1 infection within our CF centre. Patients with severe lung disease, poor baseline nutritional reserve and presenting with more than 48 hours of ILI experienced a more severe course. Prompt antiviral therapy within the first 48 hours of illness may have been important in improving outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
This observational study demonstrates that most adults with CF with H1N1 infection had mild clinical courses and recovered rapidly.
France
Megan W
MW
The Prince Charles Hospital Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Rode Rd, Chermside, Queensland 4032, Australia. megan_france@hotmail.com
Tai
Szeanna
S
Masel
Phillip J
PJ
Moore
Vanessa L
VL
McMahon
Tracy L
TL
Ritchie
Alexander J
AJ
Bell
Scott C
SC
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012621:Seasons; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
D000998:Antiviral Agents