[An analysis of the 2002-2003 influenza epidemic focusing on patients infected with types A and B in the same season sequentially].

A total of 2,320 cases of influenza A (1,517 cases) and B (803 cases) in the 2002-2003 influenza season were analyzed. Influenza infection was confirmed by a rapid diagnosis kit, based on the immunochromatography method, at 24 clinics in 18 of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Influenza A/H3N2 was reported between November 22 and April 12 (the median at January 21), and influenza B was reported between December 24 and April 20 (the median at February 16).