Retrospective Single-Center Study on the Epidemiological Characteristics of Influenza B Infections in Korea (2007-2024): Analysis of Sex, Age, and Seasonal Patterns

Abstract

Influenza B, a globally prevalent respiratory virus, particularly affects children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases. This retrospective single-center study analyzed long-term epidemiological trends using 23,284 PCR test results from Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan-si, Republic of Korea, from 2007 to 2024. The data included inpatients and outpatients who presented with respiratory symptoms and underwent multiplex PCR testing. Unlike previous studies focusing on short-term outbreaks, this study examines extended trends and emerging seasonal patterns. Positivity rates were statistically analyzed by year, season, sex, age group, and the impact of COVID-19 (2020-2022). Significant annual differences (p < 0.001) occurred, with peaks in 2012 and 2018 and a sharp decline during 2020-2022. Children exhibited the highest positivity rate (2.40%), significantly higher than that of adults (2.24%) and the elderly (1.79%) (p < 0.05). Infections peaked in the winter (2.98%) and spring (3.95%), contrary to the belief that Influenza B peaks in winter only. Females had a higher positivity rate (2.13%) than males (1.70%) (p = 0.017). These findings provide novel insights into Influenza B epidemiology, emphasizing the need for prevention strategies beyond winter. The secondary spring peak suggests extending vaccination to early spring may improve influenza control, particularly among high-risk groups.

Keywords: aged; child; hospital; human; influenza; real-time polymerase chain reaction; season; virus.

Figure 1

Graphical representation of annual Influenza B positivity rate fluctuations from 2007 to 2024.