Children with influenza admitted at a children's hospital in Argentina in the 2019-2022 period: What has changed after the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

Introduction. During 2020 and 2021, the circulation of influenza virus remained below expectations worldwide. In Argentina, in 2022, we observed an uninterrupted circulation of influenza all year round. Our objectives were to describe the circulation patterns and clinical characteristics of hospitalized children with influenza. Population and methods. Retrospective, analytical, observational study. All children with influenza virus admitted to a children's hospital during the 2019-2022 period were included. Results. A total of 138 patients were admitted over 4 years; in 2019, the rate of hospital discharges was 4.5/1000, compared to 15.1/1000 in 2022. No cases were recorded in 2020 and 2021. In 2019, most cases were observed in the winter; in 79%, the cause was acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI); influenza A was detected in 92%. In 2022, most cases occurred in the spring; 62% developed ALRTI; and influenza A was detected in 56%. Similar rates of vaccination and comorbidities were observed in both periods. Conclusions. In 2022, more hospitalizations due to influenza were recorded, which may have correlated with the use of more sensitive molecular diagnostic testing and a change in seasonality, with more cases observed in the spring. In 2019, influenza A predominated in lower respiratory tract infections, while in 2022, cases of influenza A and B were similar, with more extra-pulmonary forms.