Abstract
Following the previous two seasons, we analyzed cases of influenza virus infection during the 2002/2003 season in the Department of Pediatrics, Mito Kyodo General Hospital. Thanks to price reductions, we could increase the number of children who got vaccination ahead of the season. A close watch was kept throughout the season by dint of one precision type of rapid test kit was newly put to use. Although it was reported that there were serious shortages of antiviral agents in some regions, we could afford to treat patients in our department without a hitch. Severe complications such as encephalopathy were not experienced this season. As we vaccinated children early, morbidity decreased remarkably. We could care each case with enough time. Our department and hospital fully realized that the prevention by vaccination is definitely the main strategy against influenza virus infection.
