About influenza: 

Influenza A and B viruses (germs) are a leading cause of respiratory illness among children in the United States. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children have higher rates of influenza hospitalization compared to non-Hispanic White Americans. Influenza C is another influenza virus that can infect humans – less is known about this virus and it is thought to cause mostly mild symptoms.

Influenza A and B vaccines are safe and effective at preventing influenza-associated hospitalization and death. For additional information about influenza, visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.html

Influenza study results:

• From November 2019 through May 2024, 10% of AI/AN children hospitalized with respiratory illness tested positive for influenza A, B, or C. Among children testing positive for influenza, 53% were influenza A virus, 38% were influenza B virus, and 9% were influenza C virus.
• Similar to RSV and other respiratory viruses, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted transmission of influenza. The most common symptoms among AI/AN children hospitalized with influenza were cough, fever, runny nose, tachypnea (fast breathing), and retractions.
• Influenza-associated hospitalization rates were generally highest among children younger than 2 years of age.

We thank all study participants, IHS and tribal health facility medical staff, community members, the tribal ethical review boards, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for making this study possible.

IRB #: NNHRRB NNR-19.350; PHX Area IRB 19.08; JHSPH IRB No. 00009605