Epidemiological characteristics of 5 613 influenza-like illness in Guangzhou

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Guangzhou by analyzing the influenza-like Illness in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, and to help prevent and treat influenza. Methods The results of retrospective analysis were used to collect the results of throat swabs in all cases with flu-like symptoms from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 and analyze the prevalence among all seasons, age groups and types. Results A total of 5, 613 cases were collected in this survey. The flu was found to be prevalent throughout the year, but it was more common in winter and spring. Influenza A had a higher incidence than influenza B and was more prevalent among people. In the comparison of influenza virus positive rate in all ages, the incidence rate was the highest in the adolescents (7~17 years old), while the elderly group (>60 years old) had the lowest incidence. Conclusion The influenza epidemic has seasonality, which occurs in the winter and spring seasons. It is mainly caused by influenza A and is more susceptible to adolescents. Health agencies should continue to strengthen the detection of influenza and help develop public health measures to prevent a large-scale influenza outbreak. Key words: Influenza; Influenza A virus; Influenza B virus; Epidemiological characteristics