Epidemiological characteristics of influenza cases in Ho Chi Minh City, 2020 - 2022

Abstract

We conducted a cross - sectional, retrospective descriptive study to assess the epidemiological characteristics of influenza cases in Ho Chi Minh City from 01/2020 to 12/2022. The results showed that the transmission of influenza occurred throughout the year, with peak outbreaks in October of 2020 and 2022, and a peak in June of 2021. In 2022, the number of influenza cases doubled compared to the previous two years. District 6 and District 7 had the highest number of influenza cases in 2020 and 2021. However, in 2022, District 7 and Nha Be district emerged as the areas with the highest number of influenza infections. In the period of 2020-2021, the urban areas recorded a higher number of influenza cases, while in the subsequent period, the suburban areas reported a higher incidence of influenza cases. Overall characteristics of influenza infected patients witnessed a higher infection rate among females (55.2%) compared to males. Children (< 5 years old), the age group between 5 and 64 and the elderly (≥ 65 years old) accounted for 3.4%; 83.9% and 12.7% respectively. Influenza A (59%) had a higher prevalence than influenza B and 86.2% of patients were outpatients. The research findings provide additional detailed information about the epidemiological situation of seasonal influenza in Ho Chi Minh City during the COVID-19 pandemic.