Surveillance of hospitalised severe cases of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and related fatalities in nine EU countries in 2010-2011.
A few months into the 2009 influenza pandemic, nine European countries implemented case-based surveillance of hospitalised severe influenza infections. In the present study, we assess the association between patient characteristics, in particular underlying conditions, and the severity level of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection during the 2010-2011 season. Patient age, the presence of underlying conditions, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the need for ventilation were significantly associated with the severity of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection. Despite limitations essentially because of the heterogeneity of the data reported, this study provides insight into severe influenza cases.
Unit of Surveillance and Response Support, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden. rene.snacken@ecdc.europa.eu
René
R
Snacken
Chantal
C
Quinten
Isabelle
I
Devaux
Flaviu
F
Plata
Eeva
E
Broberg
Phillip
P
Zucs
Andrew
A
Amato-Gauci
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005062:European Union; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D055815:Young Adult