Clinical characteristics of children and adults hospitalized for influenza virus infection.

Background/purpose: Influenza infection has different clinical presentations and outcomes in children and adults, and bacterial coinfection is associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality. This study compared the clinical features in children and adults hospitalized for influenza virus infection and the role of concomitant bacteremia.

Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted by a review of medical records of all consecutive patients admitted for influenza infection between April 1, 2009 and February 28, 2011.