RT Journal
A1 Britt RC
T1 Still looking for reasons in appendicitis: Comment on “association of viral infection and appendicitis”
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 2010
FD January 1
VO 145
IS 1
SP 71
OP 71
DO 10.1001/archsurg.2009.251
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2009.251
AB 
While this is an interesting concept, it does not appear to implicate influenza virus as a causative agent for appendicitis. Certainly concerning is that the peak of influenza is in the winter months, which is not replicated in appendicitis. Also, appendicitis is more often a disease of the young and influenza a disease of the older population, which goes against influenza as a proximate agent. Additionally, the study relies on hospital discharge data, which are likely much more complete for appendicitis as this is a disease necessitating hospitalization. The vast majority of patients with a viral illness are not hospitalized, and many likely do not even seek medical attention. Certainly this makes comparison onerous.