[Symptoms and complications of influenza A in seniors in the 2018-2019 season].

Abstract

Aims: To describe the symptoms and complications of influenza A in seniors in the 2018-2019 influenza season.

Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of data on 84 seniors with laboratory confirmed influenza A between 1 October 2018 and 30 April 2019 who were tested for this infectious disease in the University Hospital Pilsen.

Results: Influenza A was diagnosed in 84 seniors during the period under review. The most common symptoms were fever (69 cases; 82.14 %) and cough (60 cases; 71.43 %). These two symptoms combined occurred in more than half of patients over 65 years of age (51 cases; 60.71 %). Other common symptoms included general weakness (58 cases; 69.05 %) and fatigue (57 cases; 67.86 %). The other symptoms occurred in less than half of cases. The most common complication was pneumonia (36 cases; 42.86 %). Bacterial etiology was confirmed in 13 cases and the most commonly occurring pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Another common complication of influenza was acute respiratory insufficiency in pneumonia, heart failure or exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease. The mortality rate of seniors in our sample was 17.86 % (15 cases).

Conclusion: In the senior population, the most common symptoms of influenza are a rapid onset of fever and dry cough. The study has confirmed that the most common complication is pneumonia. Furthermore, exacerbations of various chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, worsening of chronic renal insufficiency and urinary tract infections were common. The most effective prevention of the development of influenza and its complications is the available quadrivalent vaccine.