Factors Associated With Influenza in an Emergency Department Setting

Emergency departments (EDs) become more overcrowded during peak respiratory virus season. Distinguishing influenza from other viruses is crucial to implement social distancing practices, early treatment, and prompt disposition. We sought to determine factors associated with influenza among a prospective cohort of consecutive ED patients with acute respiratory illness (ARI). Between December 2016 and March 2017, trained research assistants screened consecutive ED patients with ARI symptoms. ARI criteria included measured fever at home or in the ED >38°C and a cough, sore throat, or rhinorrhea with a duration of symptoms >12 hours and