Clinical and epidemiological characterization of healthcare acquired influenza in critical ill patients

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) increase morbidity and mortality. During 2014, at the Hospital Clínico Red de Salud UC Christus (RS-UCCH) it was estimated that 15% of respiratory viral infections were acquired during hospitalization and influenza A was more frequent. Aims: Clinical and epidemiological characterization of HAIs due to influenza virus in patients hospitalized in critical care units (CCU) and special care. Methods: Descriptive study. We included patients hospitalized in CCU and special care with hospital acquired influenza during 2014-2017. HAI due to influenza was defined as: Symptom onset and/or positive influenza PCR after ≥ 48 hours of hospital admission, without previous respiratory symptoms or previous negative influenza test study. Results: 22 patients were identified, median age was 74 years. Influenza was acquired average on day 13. Influenza A was detected in 77% and 27% had respiratory co-infection. Thirteen (59%) were hospitalized in CCU, only 2 (15%) due to lung problems. Comorbidity was present in 86% and decompensation in 50%. Only 41% received influenza vaccine. The associated lethality was 18%. Conclusions: HAI due to influenza occurred in chronic, older and unvaccinated patients. Education about HAIs and continuous high vaccination coverage must be reinforced.