[Pediatric features of an influenza A seasonal outbreak and its burden in pediatric emergency rooms and pediatric departments].

AIM OF THE STUDY

To describe epidemiological features of an outbreak of flu A in hospitalized children and to evaluate the flu's burden in pediatric and pediatric emergencies departments.

POPULATION AND METHODS

Multicenter prospective study in 2 pediatric university hospitals, in Marseille, France. Nasal swabs for flu A were performed in all the febrile children admitted during winter 2003-2004. Pre and postoutbreak admissions in pediatric and pediatric emergencies departments were compared too.

RESULTS

During the outbreak, 941 children were admitted and 605 were tested for flu A. Nasal swabs were positive in 111. Attack's rate was 11.8%. In these children, infants under 2 years were 66%. Respiratory forms were uncommon, although febrile seizures and digestive troubles were much frequent. The mean hospitalization duration was almost 4 days. Flu A outbreak finally increased the pediatric and pediatric emergencies departments rates of admission, of 48% and 37% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Flu is frequently underestimated in children, especially in infants. Clinical forms are various. Child's vaccination is questionable in France.