Expired CME Article

Introduction: Influenza

Authors: Felix A. Sarubbi, MD

Abstract

Influenza-like illness results in greater health care costs and contributes to more deaths than any other viral illness in the United States. In recent years, the combination of influenza and pneumonia was the fifth leading cause of death in adults 65 years of age and older. In epidemic years, influenza can result in more than 100,000 hospitalizations, approximately 20,000 to 40,000 deaths, and estimated medical care costs in excess of $750 million. 1 Infection attack rates are usually highest among schoolchildren, and the age groups affected evolve to include adults and institutionalized individuals during the course of an epidemic.

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References

1. Gravenstein S, Davidson HE. Current strategies for management of influenza in the elderly population. Clin Infect Dis 2002; 35: 729–737.
 
2. van Kolfschooten F. Dutch veterinarian becomes first victim of avian influenza. Lancet 2003; 361: 1444.
 
3. Nichol KL, Nordin J, Mullooly J, et al. Influenza vaccination and reduction in hospitalizations for cardiac disease and stroke among the elderly. N Engl J Med 2003; 348: 1322–1332.