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The Epidemiological Pattern of Seasonal Influenza in Four Sentinel Sites in Iraq
  • Ahmed Radhi,
  • Ziyad Ibrahim
Ahmed Radhi
Iraq Ministry of Health

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Ziyad Ibrahim
Iraq Ministry of Health
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Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Influenza is an acute viral infection with significant morbidity and mortality. Its occur annually each winter is called seasonal influenza and is preventable through safe vaccine. Aim: To know the epidemiological pattern of patients with seasonal influenza in Iraqi sentinel sites. Methods: A cross- sectional study carried out on records of patients who attended four sentinel sites and registered to have influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), and laboratory investigated. Results: The total number of cases was 1124, 36.2% of them aged 19-39 years; 53.9% were female; 74.9% lived in urban areas; 64.3% diagnosed as ILI and 35.7% as SARI. 15.9% had diabetes, 12.7% had heart disease, 4.8% had asthma, 3% had a chronic lung disease, and 2% had hematological disease. 94.6% did not get influenza vaccine. About COVID-19 vaccine, 69.4% did not vaccinated, 3.5% get only 1 dose, and 27.1% completed 2 doses. Only the SARI cases needed admission, among them 95.7% were cured. 6.5% were diagnosed as influenza- A virus, 26.1% had COVID-19, and 67.5% were negative. Among those with influenza, 97.3% had H3N2 subtype, and 2.7% had H1N1 pdm09. Conclusions: The percentage of influenza virus in Iraq is relatively small. The age, classification of case (ILI or SARI), having diabetes, heart disease, or immunological disease, and taking COVID-19 vaccine have a significant association with influenza. Recommendations: It’s needed for similar sentinel sites in other health directorates and for rising health education about seasonal influenza and its vaccine.
24 Dec 2022Submitted to Influenza and other respiratory viruses
31 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
31 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
02 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
18 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
21 Mar 20231st Revision Received
31 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
31 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
31 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Accept