Epidemiology of influenza-like illness during Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, New South Wales, Australia

Emerg Infect Dis. 2011 Jul;17(7):1240-7. doi: 10.3201/eid1707.101173.

Abstract

To rapidly describe the epidemiology of influenza-like illness (ILI) during the 2009 winter epidemic of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus in New South Wales, Australia, we used results of a continuous population health survey. During July-September 2009, ILI was experienced by 23% of the population. Among these persons, 51% were unable to undertake normal duties for <3 days, 55% sought care at a general practice, and 5% went to a hospital. Factors independently associated with ILI were younger age, daily smoking, and obesity. Effectiveness of prepandemic seasonal vaccine was ?20%. The high prevalence of risk factors associated with a substantially increased risk for ILI deserves greater recognition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / physiology
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Middle Aged
  • New South Wales / epidemiology
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Population Surveillance
  • RNA Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • RNA Virus Infections / epidemiology
  • RNA Virus Infections / prevention & control*
  • RNA Virus Infections / virology
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vaccination*