Positivity rate, risk factors and symptom characteristics of influenza
virus in a tertiary hospital meeting COVID-19, Hangzhou, China
- Jiaxiang Wan,
- Ruxuan Zhang
Abstract
Background: Following the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, new
changes in the transmission of various pathogens have occurred. The
environmental changes influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic have affected
the flow of human society and the survival environment of other
microorganisms. The prevalence of influenza viruses has also changed
under this selection pressure. Objective: To investigate the influenza
virus’s prevalence, risk factors and symptom characteristics during the
outbreak of COVID-19. Methods: Samples and data were collected from
outpatients requiring respiratory virus tests in a tertiary hospital.
Throat swabs were tested in the immunocolloidal gold method.
Characteristics of influenza A and B compared before and after the
outbreak of COVID-19. Results: The dominant virus strain in 2020-2022
has gradually changed from influenza A to influenza B. Influenza A is
mainly prevalent in 0 to 20 years old (P < 0.05), and
influenza B is dominant in all age groups. Most of the patients with
positive results were from paediatrics and presented in fever clinics (P
< 0.05); Most of the patients were diagnosed with fever and
upper respiratory tract infection (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The
influenza virus’s positive rate, risk factors and symptom
characteristics have changed compared to previous years. It means the
epidemic prevention measures have greatly affected the prevalence of the
influenza virus since the outbreak of COVID-19.