Clinical manifestations and socio-economic impact of influenza among healthy children in the community

Summary Objectives To evaluate the total burden of influenza among healthy children in the community in order to analyse the cost of influenza in paediatric age. Methods This prospective study involved a total community population of 21,986 children, 6988 of whom experienced an influenza-like illness (ILI) between 1 November 2008 and 30 April 2009. An electronic chart was completed, a nasopharyngeal swab was obtained, and information was recorded concerning the clinical outcomes and household impact of the ILI episodes. Influenza A and B viruses were detected in all the swabs by means of polymerase chain reaction, and costs of the disease were calculated. Results Influenza viruses were detected in 2143 cases (30.7%), an incidence of 96.4 per 1000 children. Influenza A and B viruses were found in respectively 1751 (81.7%) and 392 cases (18.3%). The mean cost of influenza was no less than €130, 32% higher than the cost of influenza-negative ILIs ( p