Pulmonary Infections Complicating Asian Influenza

Abstract

Asian influenza was first noted in New Haven late in September, 1957, and during the ensuing month a large number of patients with influenza was seen at the New Haven Hospital. In most the illness was benign; however, 91 were hospitalized during a six-week period in October and early November for a complication of influenza, usually pneumonia. Eleven of these patients died. It is the purpose of this report to summarize the experience with the complications of influenza, with particular emphasis on fatal cases of pneumonia. Epidemiology The arrival of the epidemic in New Haven was heralded by a sudden sharp increment in the number of adult medical patients seen in the emergency clinic. Usually medical house officers see from 120 to 150 patients per week, of whom only 10% have complaints referable to the respiratory system. This relationship is depicted in Figure 1 (Weeks 1-4). On Oct. 3, 1957,