December 26, 2002
Hospitalizations of Children for Influenza
|
In Hong Kong, the seasons for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection sometimes do not overlap, so that a relatively accurate estimate can be made of the effects of influenza-related acute respiratory disease in children. Using data from a well-defined population, these researchers found high rates of hospitalization attributable to influenza in children: 278.5 per 10,000 children younger than one year of age and 218.4 per 10,000 children one to less than two years of age in 1998.
Influenza has substantial effects in children that are not widely appreciated. Findings such as these may prompt consideration of the need for influenza vaccination in children.
