Files
Abstract
This dissertation covers topics from describing factors related to within-host infection outcomes to the population-level effects of disease severity as well as the clinical epidemiology of influenza. We address four different problems in the subsequent studies. First is the development of a clinical prediction rule for using in a non-hospitalized population since, currently, such a score has not been developed. Then we explore the impact inoculum dose has on infection outcomes using data from challenge studies. We are specifically looking at the within-host viral dynamics, immune response, and symptoms. We then explore the impact symptoms have and the possible impacts they can have on population-level disease transmission. Finally, we look at a new PCR point of care test and see if the viral load at diagnosis can help predict the clinical outcomes of the patients. All these manuscripts provide additional knowledge to a wide range of topics related to human influenza.