A telephone survey on influenza-like attacks and acute upper respiratory tract infections in winter among the urban residents in Hangzhou city

Objective This study was conducted to know the incidence of influenza-like attacks and acute upper respiratory tract infections in winter and the consequent hospital visits among the urban residents in Hangzhou city. Methods A total 300 urban households with fixed telephones were randomly sampled. Flu attacks in the family within the latest month were reported during the calls. Results The incidence rate of influenza-like attacks and acute upper respiratory tract infections was 0.60% and 12.39%, respectively. The subgroup below age of 10 took largest part of the hits. Most people would like to take OTC for relieve until hospital visits were unavoidable. Community/County hospitals were most frequently chosen, and masks were seldom used during the flu period. The influenza vaccination coverage was 9.42% last year. Only 1.92% and 3.03% was covered of the people older than 60 and those with chronic diseases, respectively. Conclusion In Hangzhou, no escalation of influenza was seen during this survey.