Relationship of Influenza Virus Infection and Complications from Viral/Bacterial Infections in a Community Based Setting

Influenza virus is a major health care burden and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Data on morbidity and complications (pneumonia, otitis media, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, enteritis) due to influenza virus infection in primary care settings are limited with reports mainly obtained from hospital settings. We assessed the prevalence of complications from viral/bacterial infections in influenza- positive compared with influenza- negative children presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) in a primary care setting.