EVALUATION OF PANDEMIC INFLUENZA A (H1N1) CASES IN VAN REGION

Objective: Influenza viruses have retained their importance throughout history by creating pandemics since the segmental structure of the RNA undergo frequent genetic changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) cases detected our region. Material and Method: Totally 570 patients were registered with pre-diagnosis of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) infection in five different hospitals located in Van region between 15 October 2009 - 15 January 2010. After nasopharyngeal/throat swab samples were taken from patients, they were sent to Refik Saydam Hygiene Center (RSHC) in accordance with the rules of biosafety, and specimens were investigated for Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 by using Real-Time PCR method. Results: Pandemic Influenza A (HI NI) was determined by RSHC as positive for 220 patients. 36 of these patients were in intensive care conditions, 85 were hospitalized and 16 passed away. 109 patients, who were diagnosed with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1), were within range of 6-25 years. All patients in this age range were treated and discharged. The most common symptoms of patients who were hospitalized were defined as cough and fever In these patients, the most common risk factors were as follows; being <5 years, having the cardiovascular disease, using immunosuppressive drugs and having lung disease. Conclusion: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infections are more frequent in young adults and patients without risk factor, unlike seasonal flu. When examining its effect on the society, Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 constitutes a good opportunity in terms of preparation of inevitable struggling with pandemics in the future.