Experience of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009

Abstract

Objective: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 first appeared in April, 2009 in Mexico and affected the entire world. The objective of this study is to analyze epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings of probable or confirmed pandemic inluenza A (H1N1) 2009 adult cases who were admitted to our clinic.Methods: Eighty-five patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 admitted to Uludag University Hospital between November 3, 2009 and January 22, 2010 were retrospectively evaluated.Results: Of the 85 cases, 44 (51.8%) were females and 41 (48.2%) were males. The median age was 33 (17-82). 16 of cases (18.8%) were assessed as accurate, and 69 (81.2%) as probable cases of influenza. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 17 (20%) patients by evaluating clinical findings and chest X-ray. Eleven of the cases were treated in the Intensive Care Unit. Seventy-one (83.5%) of the cases were treated by oseltamivir. Mean duration of treatment was 10 days. The mortality rate of the cases was 4.7%.Conclusions: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 perpetuates its epidemic potential as in the past years. The disease is frequently accompanied by pneumonia during its course.