Influenza surveillance in community-dwelling elderly compared with children

摘要: Background Acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) are the leading cause of medical visits for community-dwelling patients all ages, but virologic and clinical descriptions these in older adults infrequent. Objectives To determine feasibility influenza surveillance a population elderly, to compare patterns infection elderly persons with that observed young populations which is usually conducted, describe presentation outpatients who seek attention ARI. Design Prospective viral ARIs among ambulatory during 3 consecutive winter seasons. Setting Nine internal medicine pediatric practices Upstate New York cooperation Medicare Influenza Vaccine Demonstration Project. Patients Elderly (n=808) (n=2080) ARI office visits. Measurements Frequency other virus isolates profile children ARIs. Results was agent recovered most often from specimens obtained both age groups symptoms, especially those fever. accounted 11% (87 isolates) 20% (408 isolates). At initial illness visit, equally common individuals or without underlying cardiopulmonary conditions. Lower tract signs occurred 13% 7% documented by laboratory studies. Other viruses were 20 259 children. Conclusions Viruses important agents outpatients. Children experience similar epidemic pathogens, such as parainfluenza syncytial viruses. Viral identification feasible seen physicians' offices may contribute improved measures effects on