The frequency and seasonality of influenza and other respiratory viruses in Tennessee: two influenza seasons of surveillance data, 2010–2012

Abstract

BackgroundIn 2010, the Tennessee Department of Health, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expanded influenza surveillance in Tennessee to include other respiratory viruses.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and seasonality of influenza and other respiratory viruses during the influenza seasons of 2010–2012.MethodsNasal and nasopharangeal swabs/washings from persons with influenza‐like illness were collected across Tennessee. Influenza and other respiratory viruses were identified using a molecular‐based respiratory virus panel. Influenza A positives were subtyped using real‐time PCR according to the CDC protocol. Data were analyzed to describe frequency and seasonality of circulating strains.ResultsOf the 933 positive specimens, 60·3% were identified as influenza viruses, 19·8% rhinovirus/enterovirus, 8·6% respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), 5·8% metapneumovirus, 3·0% adenovirus, and 2·5% parainfluenza viruses. In the 2010–2011 season, influenza B was prominent during weeks 48–3, while influenza A(H1N1) was most frequently identified during weeks 4–10. Influenza A(H3N2) was present at lower levels during weeks 48–17. However, in the 2011–2012 season, overall numbers of influenza cases were reduced and influenza A (H3N2) was the most abundant influenza strain. The expanded surveillance for other respiratory viruses noted an increase in identified specimens from the first to the second season for adenovirus, metapneumovirus, RSV, and rhinovirus/enterovirus.ConclusionsThis study provides data of the influenza strains in circulation in Tennessee. It also establishes a baseline and time of year to expect other respiratory viruses that will aid in detecting outbreaks of non‐influenza respiratory viruses in Tennessee.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of a novel dual-action oral topical formulation against upper respiratory infections

“…The primary objectives were: (1) to determine whether ARMS-I decreases the frequency of acute URIs, and (2) to assess whether ARMS-I decreases the duration and severity of URI-related symptoms. Secondary objectives were: (1) to assess the tolerability, acceptability and adherence to ARMS-I medications vs. placebo, (2) to compare whether acute URIs in those receiving ARMS-I compared to placebo are associated with differences in absenteeism (from work or school) and visits to physicians' offices, emergency departments and urgent care centers, (3) to determine whether ARMS-I decreases the detection of respiratory viruses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [36][37][38][39], and (4) to evaluate the effect of ARMS-I on those who did or did not receive the influenza vaccine. The endpoints were: (1) frequency and duration of clinical respiratory disease at study visits and as assisted by electronic patient diaries, (2) intraand extra-oral exams, (3) solicited and unsolicited adverse events, (4) respiratory virus multiplex PCR, and (5) self-report for adherence to medication usage.…”

Practical Guidance for Clinical Microbiology Laboratories: Viruses Causing Acute Respiratory Tract Infections

“…Antibacterial prescription rates did not vary between groups; however, there was a statistically significant difference between antiviral prescription rates: the FLU-positive group was more likely to be treated with an antiviral agent (80/105 [81%] treated) than were patients in the non-influenza virus pathogen group (6/109 [5.5%]) and the no-pathogen-detected group (2/81 [2.5%]) (P Ͻ 0.001) (254). Respiratory panel use allows for more comprehensive characterization of viruses for general epidemiology/surveillance (15,265) and outbreak investigation. Other, less tangible but important, benefits to respiratory viral panel use may also include improved patient and physician satisfaction with an improved test turnaround time.…”

Multicenter evaluation of the QIAstat Respiratory Panel—A new rapid highly multiplexed PCR based assay for diagnosis of acute respiratory tract infections

“…terminating unnecessary antimicrobials and targeted use of antiviral agents [14][15][16][17][18]. From a public health perspective, syndromic respiratory infection testing has shown to be a useful tool for seasonal and sporadic outbreak surveillance and preparedness [19], supporting the effective management of health care resources [20].…”