Respiratory Viral Agents in Children Presenting With Influenza-Like Illness A Clinical Investigation

Introduction : Upper respiratory tract infections rank as the most common infectious diseases worldwide, primarily caused by viral infections. Aim: To investigate the clinical and laboratory findings and causative microorganisms detected in patients who were hospitalized with an influenza-like disease in our hospital during the 2017-2018 influenza season. Method: The study group included 688 patients with influenza-like illness who attended our clinic and underwent an upper respiratory tract viral panel test. Data on demographics, treatments, and laboratory results were collected from hospital records. Results: Viral agents were identified in 335 patients (48.69%). Seventy-four patients (22.09%) had influenza, 115 (34.33%) were infected by respiratory syncytial virus, and 146 (43.58%) by other viral agents. The empirical treatment rate of oseltamivir was higher in patients with influenza than in those infected by other viral agents (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In patients admitted with influenza-like illness, starting oseltamivir treatment based on clinical signs, rather than waiting for the causative agent to be determined, appears to be more effective for preventing complications of influenza infection.