How Comorbidities Affect Hospitalization from Influenza in the Pediatric Population

Abstract

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness and can lead to hospitalization and even death. Understanding how comorbidities affect the severity of influenza can help clinical management. The aim of this study is to offer more information about comorbidities that might be associated with the severity of influenza in children. We used a statewide network in Rhode Island, USA, to extract data for laboratory-confirmed influenza cases among children 19 years old or younger. We identified 1169 lab-confirmed influenza cases. The most common comorbidities were asthma (17.1%), neurodevelopmental disorders (10.3%), gastrointestinal disorders (7.6%), atopic dermatitis (7%), and endocrine and metabolic diseases (6.8%). Interestingly, 80.8% (63 out of 78) of children who had an influenza-related hospital admission had at least one comorbidity, and among hospitalized children with influenza, the most common comorbidities were neurological diseases (28.2%, 22/78), gastrointestinal disorders (25.6%, 20/78), endocrine and metabolic diseases (24.4%, 19/78), and neurodevelopmental disorders (23.1%, 18/78). Children with endocrine or metabolic diseases were 8.23 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital, and children with neurological disorders were 6.35 times more likely to be admitted (OR: 8.23, 95% CI: 4.42–15.32 and OR: 6.35, 95% CI: 3.60–11.24, respectively). In summary, we identified specific comorbidities associated with influenza hospitalization and length of hospital stay, and these groups should be prioritized for public health interventions.

Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and influenza in hospitalized children <5 years in the US

“…The findings of our study on hospitalization outcomes of young children hospitalized with influenza showed higher frequency of ICU admission than observed for both historical seasonal influenza (2004–2009) and the H1N1 pandemic strain, but similar length of ICU stay ( 23 – 25 ). Our reported hospitalization LOS among the influenza cohort is similar to that previously reported among children hospitalized with influenza ( 26 , 27 ).…”

Nationwide Survey on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece: Determinants, Barriers and Peculiarities

“…A significant proportion of patients seeking health care are prone to severe illness from influenza due to comorbidities. Secondary bacterial pneumonia is a common complication associated with age and immunocompromised status, along with pre-existing medical conditions [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. HCWs comprise an occupational group with increased exposure to the virus, and therefore have an increased chance of illness and transmission [ 14 , 15 ].…”