Influenza A and B virus infection status in Jinshan District, Shanghai.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of influenza A and B virus infection according to age, gender, and month in Jinshan District, Shanghai, and to set local prevention strategies.MethodsThe study was categorized as descriptive, involving patients having respiratory complaints at Tinglin Hospital in Jinshan District between January 2024 and December 2024. Analysis of nasopharyngeal samples was achieved by rapid diagnostic assessment of influenza A and B antigens. The results were analyzed according to age, gender, and the month of the testing. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact tests were used, with a statistical significance of P < 0.05.ResultsIn 12,450 specimens, 2664 were positive for influenza A or B virus, which is an overall rate of infection of 21.4%. Most states had experienced in the category of the age of 7-18 years of age (28.5%), whereas those not in the 60 and above (8.9%) were the least. They did not reveal important gender differences. Peak periods were during January (48.6%) and December (10.3%).ConclusionThe infection of influenza A and B viruses resulted in a significant seasonality and age-based regularity in Jinshan District, with school-going children and winter being the most affected. The results can be used to justify an age-specific preventive regime as well as improved implementation of prevention methods showcasing seasonality.