Influenza viral infection in 2005-2006 in Samitivej Hospital.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Set an alarm system for early detection of respiratory viral infection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors prospectively investigated avian flu and SARS between March 2005 and April 2006. Specimens from a nasopharyngeal swab or bronchial washing were analyzed for influenza A, B, parainfluenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and avian flu and SARS by using technique of PCR and immunofluorescence by the Department of Medical Sciences. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients who were enrolled in the present study. Peak of the incidence was 43% on April 2005 and there was no incidence of the influenza from December 2005 till April 2006. This may be due to the mass campaign of influenza vaccination or seasonal variation. CONCLUSION: Vaccination remains the primary strategy for the prevention of influenza, and the broadened recommendations should lead to protection of a larger portion of the population.