Respiratory Viruses in Outpatients During Influenza Season
Respiratory Viruses in Outpatients During Influenza Season
Using multiplex RT-PCR, three-fifths of medically attended outpatient visits for acute respiratory illness during the winter were associated with a viral etiology. Viruses differed in distribution across age groups, self-reported health status, BMI, presence of fever, and nasal congestion. Co-infection was present in a small proportion of cases, but varied by age, weight, and influenza vaccination status.
Conclusions
Using multiplex RT-PCR, three-fifths of medically attended outpatient visits for acute respiratory illness during the winter were associated with a viral etiology. Viruses differed in distribution across age groups, self-reported health status, BMI, presence of fever, and nasal congestion. Co-infection was present in a small proportion of cases, but varied by age, weight, and influenza vaccination status.