Fig. 1
Percentage of influenza virus and influenza-like virus infections in children aged 0–14 years age in the epidemic season 2015/2016
The dominant subtype of influenza A virus was A/H1N1/pdm09 (57 %), while 40 % of cases were represented by unsubtyped influenza A virus. The smallest group consisted of the A/H1N1/ and A/H3N2/ subtypes, which accounted for 2 % and 1 % respectively (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2
Percentage of influenza A virus subtypes in children’s infection in the age-group of 0–14 years in the epidemic season 2015/2016
Confirmations of the influenza virus in the three junior age groups: 0–4, 5–9, 10–14 years of age demonstrate that in children of 0–4 years of age infections caused by both influenza B and A were common. The youngest patient in this age group was a 14-day old baby. The age group of 5–9 years of age was dominated by influenza B infections. The number of confirmations of infections with all subtypes of influenza A virus was distinctly lower in this group. In the age group of 10–14 years of age, the rate of influenza virus infections (158 cases) was markedly lower than the 601 cases in children aged 0–4 and the 494 cases in children aged 5–9. In this oldest age group infections with influenza B virus also dominated (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3
Confirmed cases of the influenza virus infection in children aged 0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 years in the epidemic season 2015/2016
Out of the genetically confirmed influenza-like viruses, RSV virus was detected exclusively in the group of 0–4 years of age. Other viruses were only sporadically present (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4
Respiratory viruses detected in children aged 0–14 years in the epidemic season 2015/2016
4 Discussion
Influenza virus A predominated in the epidemic season 2015/2016 in Poland, with the dominant subtype A/H1N1/pdm09. Predomination of this virus in Poland is in line with similar observations noted in other European countries (ECDC 2016). The results also confirm the frequent presence of influenza and influenza-like viruses in children aged 0–14 years. In addition, in the youngest age-group of 0–4 years, the presence of also virus type B was confirmed, which shows that young children have a poorly developed immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. Large gatherings of people contribute to influenza infections. Children due to daily stays in kindergartens and schools are particularly susceptible to infection and also are carriers of infection (Hallmann-Szelińska et al. 2015, 2016). The RSV virus is a leading cause of respiratory tract infections in infants. This infection usually runs a mild course in older children and adults, but is severe in infants who often require hospitalization (Brydak 2008).
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