• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.301-311
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• 2011

Objectives : In order to identify the awareness of influenza A (H1N1) having currently high frequency and risk as an infectious disease, to find problems and to reflect them on curriculum improvements from students before/after clinical practices. Methods : The data was collected from 279 dental hygiene students of 1st and 2nd years at G health college university from December 6th 2010 to December 10th 2010. The questionnaire were consisted of awareness of influenza A (H1N1), preventive attitude, sociodemographic characteristics. Results : 1. 1st year was 51.6%, the case having dental experience was 51.2%, in the infection control training experience 'had' was 46.6%. In the route acquiring the information, the mass media was 70.6%, in obtained information, personal hygiene was 82.1%. In the impact on human body, 'great impact' was 58.1%. In terms of the most need for response and preparedness, vaccination was the highest, 67.4%. People who experienced influenza A (H1N1) were 10.7%. 2. Awareness of influenza A (H1N1) was 0.71 points, and treatment and spreading mechanism was 0.78 points, prevention was 0.63 points, causes and definition was 0.53 points. 3. In the attitude for infection prevention of influenza A (H1N1), 'washing hands before practice' was the highest, 0.99 points and 'wear the mask only in case of contact with patient within 1~2 meters upon occurrence of no aerosol' was the lowest, 0.72 points. 4. Awareness of influenza A (H1N1) according to sociodemographic characteristics showed the significant differences upon the impacts on systemic health (p<0.05). Preventive attitude didn't show a significant difference in grade, clinical experience, experience in infection control training, acquiring rmation routes, the possibility for occurrence, impact on systemic health, the most need for prevention, experience in influenza A (H1N1) (p>0.05). 5. The significantly correlated between awareness of influenza A (H1N1) and preventive attitude(p<0.01). Conclusions : Information and preventive attitude for influenza A (H1N1) as well as systematic training programs to identify actual affecting factors and to improve the practice are needed. Also government's institutional support is needed.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.293-297
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• 2014

Swine influenza is an acute respiratory disease prevalent in pig-growing areas worldwide. In total, 518 gilt and sow serum samples and 14 litters (66 samples) of aborted fetuses from 37 farms (average of 14 serum samples per farm) in Gyeongbuk Province were collected between September 2010 and May 2011. All samples were examined for antibodies to swine influenza virus (SIV) H1N1 and H3N2 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seropositive rates of gilt and sows were 59.8% (310/518) for SIV H1N1, 78.8% (408/518) for H3N2, and 55.6% (288/518) for both subtypes tested. The rate of aborted fetuses was 13.6% (9/66) for H1N1, 9.1% (6/66) for H3N2, and 9.1% for both subtypes. The seroprevalence for H1N1 in gilts and sows was 46.6% (69/148) and 65.1% (241/370), respectively, and that for H3N2 was 78.4% (116/148) and 78.9% (292/370), respectively.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2017

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of influenza A and B infections and analyze the effect of oseltamivir in hospitalized children. Methods: We investigated children under the age of 15, who were diagnosed with influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, or B from January to April 2014. The subjects were admitted to the Changwon Fatima Hospital and diagnosed using a rapid antigen test from nasopharyngeal swabs. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 302 pediatric patients with influenza were enrolled. Influenza B infection was the most common type (n=187, 61.9%), followed by A/H3N2 (n=100, 33.1%) and A/H1N1 (n=15, 5.0%). Compared to patients diagnosed with influenza A, patients diagnosed with influenza B were older (P=0.005), and the duration of fever was significantly longer (P=0.001). A total of 161 patients (53.3%) had been vaccinated against influenza during the season, before admission. Among the patients infected with A/H3N2 and B, the duration of fever was shorter in oseltamivir recipients compared to oseltamivir non-recipients (P=0.026 and P=0.004, respectively). Conclusions: There were significant differences between influenza A and B groups in terms of age, demographics, and clinical course. Although the effectiveness of oseltamivir on influenza differs according to the type of influenza, our data provides evidence that oseltamivir is beneficial for both A and B infections.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.5.1-5.16
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• 2023

The H9N2 avian influenza (AI) has become endemic in poultry in many countries since the 1990s, which has caused considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. Considering the long history of the low pathogenicity H9N2 AI in many countries, once H9N2 AI is introduced, it is more difficult to eradicate than high pathogenicity AI. Various preventive measures and strategies, including vaccination and active national surveillance, have been used to control the Y439 lineage of H9N2 AI in South Korea, but it took a long time for the H9N2 virus to disappear from the fields. By contrast, the novel Y280 lineage of H9N2 AI was introduced in June 2020 and has spread nationwide. This study reviews the history, genetic and pathogenic characteristics, and control strategies for Korean H9N2 AI. This review may provide some clues for establishing control strategies for endemic AIV and a newly introduced Y280 lineage of H9N2 AI in South Korea.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.862-868
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• 2009

Since its identification in April 2009, a swine-origin H1N1 influenza A virus (S-OIV) which is a reassortment of gene segments from both North American triple-reassortant and Eurasian swine influenza has been widely spread among humans in unexpected rapidity. To date, each gene segment of the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) outbreak viruses have shown high (99.9%) neucleotide sequence identity. As of July 6, 94,512 people have been infected in 122 countries, of whom 429 have died with an overall case-fatality rate of <0.5%. Most confirmed cases of S-OIV infection have been characterized by self-limited, uncomplicated febrile respiratory illness and 38% of cases have also included vomiting or diarrhea. Standard plus droplet precautions should be adhered to at all times. Tests on S-OIV have indicated that current new H1N1 viruses are sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir). However, current less virulent S-OIV may evolve into a pathogenic strain or acquire antiviral resistance, potentially with more severe clinical consequences. Efforts to control these outbreaks would be based on our understanding of novel S-OIV and previous influenza pandemics.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.308-315
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• 2019

Objectives: Estimating influenza-associated mortality is important since seasonal influenza affects persons of all ages, causing severe illness or death. This study aimed to estimate influenza-associated mortality, considering both periodic changes and age-specific mortality by influenza subtypes. Methods: Using the Microdata Integrated Service from Statistics Korea, we collected weekly mortality data including cause of death. Laboratory surveillance data of respiratory viruses from 2009 to 2016 were obtained from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After adjusting for the annual age-specific population size, we used a negative binomial regression model by age group and influenza subtype. Results: Overall, 1 859 890 deaths were observed and the average rate of influenza virus positivity was 14.7% (standard deviation [SD], 5.8), with the following subtype distribution: A(H1N1), 5.0% (SD, 5.8); A(H3N2), 4.4% (SD, 3.4); and B, 5.3% (SD, 3.7). As a result, among individuals under 65 years old, 6774 (0.51%) all-cause deaths, 2521 (3.05%) respiratory or circulatory deaths, and 1048 (18.23%) influenza or pneumonia deaths were estimated. Among those 65 years of age or older, 30 414 (2.27%) all-cause deaths, 16 411 (3.42%) respiratory or circulatory deaths, and 4906 (6.87%) influenza or pneumonia deaths were estimated. Influenza A(H3N2) virus was the major contributor to influenza-associated all-cause and respiratory or circulatory deaths in both age groups. However, influenza A(H1N1) virus-associated influenza or pneumonia deaths were more common in those under 65 years old. Conclusions: Influenza-associated mortality was substantial during this period, especially in the elderly. By subtype, influenza A(H3N2) virus made the largest contribution to influenza-associated mortality.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.605-611
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• 2023

Recently, sporadic cases of human infection by genetic reassortants of H7Nx influenza A viruses have been reported; such viruses have also been continuously isolated from avian species. In this study, A/wild bird/South Korea/sw-anu/2023, a novel reassortant of the H7N1 avian influenza virus, was analyzed using full-genome sequencing and molecular characterization. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A/wild bird/South Korea/sw-anu/2023 belonged to the Eurasian lineage of H7Nx viruses. The polymerase basic (PB)2, PB1, polymerase acidic (PA), and nucleoprotein (NP) genes of these viruses were found to be closely related to those of avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds, while the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), matrix (M), and nonstructural (NS) genes were similar to those of avian influenza viruses isolated from domestic ducks. In addition, A/wild bird/South Korea/sw-anu/2023 also had a high binding preference for avian-specific glycans in the solid-phase direct binding assay. These results suggest the presence of a new generation of H7N1 avian influenza viruses in wild birds and highlight the reassortment of avian influenza viruses found along the East Asian-Australasian flyway. Overall, H7Nx viruses circulate worldwide, and mutated H7N1 avian viruses may infect humans, which emphasizes the requirement for continued surveillance of the H7N1 avian influenza virus in wild birds and poultry.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.205-211
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• 2010

Background: Procalcitonin is a well known marker in infection that plays a role in distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections in screening. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of procalcitonin in differentiating between 2009 H1N1 influenza pneumonia and community acquired pneumonia of bacterial origin, or mixed bacterial origin and 2009 H1N1 influenza infection. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed over the 6-month winter period during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Ninety-six patient-subjects were enrolled, all of whom had been diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia in emergency department during the study period. On admission, laboratory studies were performed, which included 2009 H1N1 influenza real-time polymerase chain reaction of nasal secretions and procalcitonin on serum; the laboratory values were compared between the study groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed on the resulting data. Results: Compared to those with bacterial or mixed infections (n=62) and bacterial pneumonia with confirmed organisms (n=30), patients with 2009 H1N1 pneumonia (n=34) were significantly more likely to have low procalcitonin levels (p=0.008, 0.001). Using cutoff of value >0.3 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of procalcitonin for detection of patients with confirmed bacterial pneumonia were 76.2% and 60.6%, respectively. A significant difference in procalcitonin was found between 2009 H1N1 pneumonia and pneumonia caused by mixed influenza viral and bacterial infections (0.15 [0.05~0.84] vs. 10.3 [0.05~22.87] ng/mL, p=0.045). Conclusion: Serum procalcitonin measurement may assist in the discrimination between pneumonia of bacterial and of 2009 H1N1 influenza origin. High values of procalcitonin suggest that bacterial infection or mixed infection of bacteria and 2009 H1N1 influenza is more likely.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.250-259
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was examined to identify the relationship among knowledge, attitude, and compliance with preventive behavior on influenza A (H1N1) by University students. Methods: The sample consisted of 101 students. The data were collected from August to September 2009 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The mean scores of knowledge ($11.89{\pm}1.39$), attitude ($30.16{\pm}2.87$), and compliance with preventive behavior ($22.35{\pm}3.51$) on influenza A (H1N1) were above the average. The level of knowledge was not significantly different regardless of characteristics. Students' attitude differed according to gender (p<.001), and plan to seasonal influenza vaccination for this year (p=.007). Compliance with preventive behavior was significantly different according to experience of seasonal influenza vaccination during last year (p=.010), experience of obtained information about influenza A (H1N1) (p=.037). Significant correlations were found between knowledge and compliance with preventive behavior (p<.001), attitude and compliance with preventive behavior (p<.001). Knowledge and attitude was a predictor of compliance with preventive behavior (23.4%). Conclusion : These findings indicate that perceived knowledge and attitude may be necessary to improve compliance with preventive behavior on influenza A (H1N1) among university students. The results of the study can be utilized in educational programs about preventing the occurrence of influenza among university students.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.558-570
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• 2009

Background : Since March 2009, when the first patient of novel influenza A (H1N1) was reported, many deaths have occurred in North and Central America. The start of the 2009 influenza pandemic was declared by WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan on 11 June 2009, and the level of influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 5 to phase 6. There was no vaccine yet developed, and many experts worried that the novel H1N1 virus could kill as many or more as did the influenza pandemic in 1918-1919. Objective : To evaluate the possibility of treatment for 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) using herbal remedies and other non-conventional therapies. Methods : We researched the clinical studies for novel H1N1 influenza virus-related herbal medicine or non-conventional medicine treatment using internet search engines including PubMed and CNKI. In addition, we reviewed many reports and clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for influenza A (H1N1). Results : Two case series were selected after reviewing 701 papers, and two CPG published by the Chinese government and Jilin province identified. They reported that the clinical symptoms were no more significant than seasonal influenza, and the condition of patients more than 45 years old was milder than those less than 45 years old. There are no patients with gastric problems, and oseltamivir has been used at the same time in all patients. Conclusion : The efficacy and effectiveness of herbal medicine and other non-conventional treatments for the novel influenza A (H1N1) is questionable, and more studies are needed to draw a firm conclusion. However, in the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) experience in 2002/2003, it was demonstrated that herbal medicine can relieve all symptoms of SARS patients, promote absorption of lung inflammation, improve the degree of blood oxygen saturation, regulate immunological functions, reduce the required dosage of glucocorticoid and other medicines, and reduce case fatality rate. In light of the current situation that there is no vaccine or conventional treatment yet available, the study of herbal medicine and other non-conventional therapies are also necessary for appropriate evaluation.