Burden of Influenza at Emergency Department (ED) Level in European Countries

Burden of Influenza at Emergency Department (ED) Level in European Countries

This study plans to conduct enhanced influenza surveillance at a hospital emergency department level independent of underlying influenza-like symptoms.

Study objectives

Primary:

- Measure the proportion of non-traumatic emergency department (ED) visits infected with influenza during the peak of the influenza season

Secondary:

• Describe the demographic and medical profile of influenza-related and non-influenza-related visits
• Identify socio-demographic or other risk factors associated with ED visit outcome
• Describe the influenza positivity rate among ED visits for different causes
• Measure the proportion of influenza positive patients without classical ILI symptoms

Inclusion Criteria:

• All adult patients seeking care at participating ED during the influenza season
• Participants and/or guardian providing informed consent and/or assent, as appropriate, to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals reporting having suffered a traumatic injury without other conditions.