Title : Incidence of influenza A in COVID-19 patients admitted during COVID-19 global pandemic in a multispecialty hospital in Rajasthan, India

Abstract:

Introduction: The Coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic stretched the global health care system to its maximum limits. There is significant overlap between Coronavirus disease and Influenza A with similar modes of transmission and symptoms. This study was undertaken to estimate the incidence of coinfection of Influenza A in patients of Corona virus disease and the interaction of both the viruses.

Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Department of Internal Medicine at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. We estimated the incidence of Influenza A coinfection in 101 COVID-19 patients from 1, August, 2020 to 31, December, 2020. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Board of Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. 

Observation/Result: We analyzed the data of 101 COVID-19 patients admitted from 1, August, 2020 to 31, December, 2020 and found that out of 101 COVID-19 patients 9 were coinfected with Influenza virus with an incidence of 8.9%. All the 9 coinfected patients had raised total leucocyte count (TLC) range (10.65-18.4) and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio range (7.75-18.0). The duration of stay in hospital was also prolonged in co infected patient than isolated COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion: Incidence of Influenza A with Coronavirus disease is variable in different parts of the world. The coinfected patients have a significantly higher inflammatory response with more severe form of disease as compared to isolated coronavirus disease. The duration of stay in hospital was also prolonged with more risk of complications. High risk patients like pregnant females, elderly, Type2 DM, malignancy and or with multiple co-morbidity must be screened for Influenza A virus. This study has some limitations like small sample size, short duration and the confinement to single geographical location. More extensive studies are required to understand the interaction between Influenza A and Coronavirus disease.  

Audience Take Away Notes

• The study highlights the need to screen Coronavirus disease patient with Influenza A
• The audience will understand the need to screen the Corona virus disease patients with high risk like elderly, comorbidity patient for Influenza A
• The study highlights the need for more extensive study to understand the interaction between Influenza A and Coronavirus Disease
• This study also highlights the need for more extensive seasonal flu vaccination drive for community at risk as a preventive measure
• The coinfected patients had hyperinflammatory response, are at increased risk of complications, prolonged hospitalization

Biography:

Dr. Mathur is Geriatrician, Public Health Specialist and Health Educator who has done medical graduation from Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College, Ajmer. Mathur done Masters from University of Wollongong, Australia. Mathur also done European accredited one-year Diploma of International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics IAG e-TRIGGER ASIA Oceanic course awarded by Swiss Health Sciences e training Foundation in 2024. Mathur worked for World Health Organization on Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. Mathur also participated in Virtual Toronto International Training Program to Strengthen Family Medicine and Primary Care in 2021 and 2022 conducted by DFCM, University of Toronto, Canada. Mathur trained in HIV Medicine from University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, USA. Mathur been certified by AHA as Instructor for Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support provider course.