Fever with higher temperatures

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 82 views

Differences in Clinical Images of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Between Influenza A H1N1, A H3N2, B, and Non-Influenza in Adult Patients

Introduction

Influenza is a significant global health problem, characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates. The clinical diagnosis of influenza through the Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) criteria remains the primary method used. Despite extensive research on the clinical characteristics of influenza, the differences in clinical characteristics between influenza subtypes are not yet fully understood, particularly in Indonesia.

Background

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The virus is classified into three main types: Influenza A, Influenza B, and Influenza C. Influenza A is further divided into subtypes, including H1N1 and H3N2. The clinical characteristics of influenza have been studied extensively, but the differences in clinical characteristics between influenza subtypes are still not well understood.

Methodology

This retrospective study aimed to identify differences in the clinical picture of ILI between Influenza A H1N1, A H3N2, B, and Non-Influenza in adult patients. The study was conducted by collecting data on the medical records of ILI patients who visited the Polyclinic of Tropical Diseases and Infection on Adam Malik Hospital Medan during the period September 2004 to April 2008.

Data Collection

The data collected included:

History of disease: Patients' medical history, including previous illnesses and vaccinations.
Physical examination: Patients' physical examination results, including temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate.
Laboratory examinations: Patients' laboratory examination results, including PCR, Rapid Test, and Virus Isolation.

Classification of Patients

Based on PCR results, patients were classified into four groups:

Influenza A H1N1: Patients who tested positive for Influenza A H1N1.
Influenza A H3N2: Patients who tested positive for Influenza A H3N2.
Influenza B: Patients who tested positive for Influenza B.
Non-Influenza: Patients who tested negative for all influenza subtypes.

Results

The results showed that of 666 ILI patients, 32 patients were diagnosed with Influenza A H1N1, 119 Influenza A H3N2 patients, 41 Influenza B patients, and 474 non-influenza patients.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics

The study found that Influenza A H3N2 tended to be more severe than the other three groups. Patients with Influenza A H3N2 experienced:

Hoarseness complaints: Patients with Influenza A H3N2 reported hoarseness complaints more frequently than patients with other influenza subtypes.
Swallowing pain: Patients with Influenza A H3N2 reported swallowing pain more frequently than patients with other influenza subtypes.
Decreased appetite: Patients with Influenza A H3N2 reported decreased appetite more frequently than patients with other influenza subtypes.
Fever with higher temperatures: Patients with Influenza A H3N2 experienced fever with higher temperatures more frequently than patients with other influenza subtypes.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that there is a significant difference in the severity of ILI symptoms between influenza subtypes. This is important to consider in handling ILI patients, especially in determining effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Limitations

This research has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The number of patients in each group is not the same, which may affect the accuracy of the results.
Limited research design: The study used a retrospective design, which may not be as effective as a prospective design.

Implications

Knowledge of differences in clinical characteristics between influenza subtypes can help in early diagnosis and proper treatment. This can increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of complications associated with influenza.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to strengthen the results of this study. A larger sample size and a more comprehensive research design are necessary to confirm the findings of this study. Additionally, research on the clinical characteristics of influenza in different age groups and populations is necessary to better understand the disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the differences in clinical characteristics between influenza subtypes. The findings of this study can inform the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies for ILI patients. Further research is necessary to confirm the findings of this study and to better understand the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Influenza Subtypes

Q: What is Influenza-Like Illness (ILI)?

A: Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) is a respiratory illness that is caused by the influenza virus. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

Q: What are the different types of influenza?

A: There are three main types of influenza: Influenza A, Influenza B, and Influenza C. Influenza A is further divided into subtypes, including H1N1 and H3N2.

Q: What is the difference between Influenza A H1N1 and Influenza A H3N2?

A: Influenza A H1N1 and Influenza A H3N2 are both subtypes of Influenza A. However, they have different clinical characteristics and severity of symptoms. Influenza A H3N2 tends to be more severe than Influenza A H1N1.

Q: What are the symptoms of Influenza A H3N2?

A: The symptoms of Influenza A H3N2 include hoarseness complaints, swallowing pain, decreased appetite, and fever with higher temperatures.

Q: How is Influenza diagnosed?

A: Influenza is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Laboratory tests, such as PCR, Rapid Test, and Virus Isolation, are used to confirm the diagnosis.

Q: What is the treatment for Influenza?

A: The treatment for Influenza depends on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's underlying health conditions. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir and zanamivir, are used to treat Influenza. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are also used to manage symptoms.

Q: How can I prevent Influenza?

A: There are several ways to prevent Influenza, including:

Getting vaccinated: The influenza vaccine is available annually and is recommended for all individuals aged 6 months and older.
Practicing good hygiene: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick.
Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick: Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick with Influenza can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Staying home when sick: Staying home from work or school when sick with Influenza can help prevent the spread of the disease.

Q: What are the complications of Influenza?

A: The complications of Influenza include:

Pneumonia: Influenza can cause pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs.
Bronchitis: Influenza can cause bronchitis, which is an inflammation of the airways.
Sinus and ear infections: Influenza can cause sinus and ear infections.
Worsening of underlying health conditions: Influenza can worsen underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.

Q: What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of Influenza?

A: If you are experiencing symptoms of Influenza, you should:

Seek medical attention: Seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe headache.
Stay home: Stay home from work or school to prevent the spread of the disease.
Practice good hygiene: Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick.
Get plenty of rest: Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to help manage symptoms.