Abstract :
Introduction : Over the years, nature has witnessed the occurrence of pandemics caused by influenza viruses of different strains due to their unique capability of antigenic variations and aggressive behavior. This study aims to understand and document the general characteristics and biochemical findings of Influenza A H1N1 infection.
Materials and Methods: This study revolved around hundred patients presenting with influenza like illness. The general, clinical and relevant laboratory investigation findings of Influenza A H1N1 positive patients were studied and documented
Results : Out of hundred patients with influenza like illness, sixty-five positive patients were studied excluding the thirty-five negative patients. The age range of the patients was wide from 1 month to 75 years, with seven cases having had comorbid conditions and six cases with history of exposure. Fever was the most common symptom in all cases, followed by cough, sore throat, nasal catarrh, difficulty in breathing and vomiting. Fourteen patients took liver function tests among whom eight showed elevation of enzymes and two out of twenty-one tested had hypokalemia.
Conclusion: The unpredictable nature, varied clinical and laboratory expressions of the disease make it essential to study and understand the various characteristics of the Influenza A H1N1 infection.
Keyword :
Biochemical, Clinical features, Influenza A H1N1, Laboratory, Liver function test.