Abstract

Aim: Influenzavirus is the only respiratory virus for which a licensed vaccine and effective oral therapy are currently avaible. A rapid and specific viral diagnosis is important especially during the influenza epidemics for institution of proper therapy and for avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics. In this study, we aimed to determine the percentage of influenza virus positivity in children with flu-like symptoms. Methods: Pharyngeal swab specimens were collected from 150 children with the ages of 8 months to 14 years and who had presented with flu-like symptoms (fever >°37.8°C, cough, myalgia, headache, fatigue, sore throat and nasal diseharge) to our hospital's pediatric outpatient clinic during November 2003 to April 2004. Quick Vue influenza A/B rapid test (Roche) was used. For statistical analysis Chi- sguare test was used. Results: Influenzavirus was detected in 43 of 150 patients. Cough (69%) was the most commonly observed clinical symptom. Others were nasal diseharge (67%), fatigue (60%), myalgia (40%), sore throat (33%) and headache (24%). Combination of 4 symptoms (cough, myalgia, headache and sore throat) were evaluated. In case of the presence of at least 2 symptoms out of four (cough, myalgia, headache, sore throat) the probability robability for influenza virus test was detected as 14.6%. Conclusion: Detection rate of influenza virüs by using rapid influenza screen test was low. However, it can be recommended that rapid influenza screen test can be used by pediatricians during influenza epidemics in children with risk groups.