62 - Association Between Influenza Co-infection and Poor Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19

Background: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) infection emerged in Wuhan, China, establishing itself as a deadly pathogen leading to an ongoing pandemic. The incidence of co-infection of COVID-19 and Influenza has not been widely reported. Both infections have been known to share similar mechanisms of transmission, however currently, there is no evidence regarding the relationship between co-infection between this viruses and worsening outcomes. Once social distancing measures are eased, and daily activities resumed, there is a possibility for a second wave of cases. Given the incidence of influenza is higher during winter, a higher co-infection rate is expected in these months.

Methods: In this study, the aim was to assess the association of influenza co-infection with outcomes in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in a hospital-based case-control study in Bronx, New York. 19 patients with Influenza co-infection were found in total. 1 patient did not meet inclusion/exclusion criteria. Charts were reviewed from 18 confirmed cases of influenza and COVID-19 patients. Controls were selected from the remaining pool of patients with COVID-19 in the same period. Cases were matched for age, sex and underlying comorbidities (Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, HIV status, immunocompromised state other than HIV). The measured outcomes were: in-hospital mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, need for vasopressors and need for renal replacement therapy. For each outcome, Chi Square test and Odds ratio were obtained.

Results: After statistical analysis, no significative difference was found in the following variables: in-hospital mortality [Odds ratio (OR) 0.769; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.185-3.191; p value= 0.717], need for mechanical ventilation (OR 1.3; 95% CI: 0.313-5.393; p value= 0.717), need for vasopressors (OR 1.923; 95% CI: 0.383-9.646; p value= 0.423), need for renal replacement therapy (OR 1.0; 95% CI: 0.208-4.814; p value= 1.0).

Conclusion: There was no difference in the outcome in COVID-19 patients co-infected with influenza compared to non co-infected patients, however, a larger sample of cases will be needed for further assessment of these outcomes.