Influenza-Associated Morbidity and Mortality in Young and Middle-Aged Women

Abstract

In the United States each year, influenza accounts for an estimated 10,000 to 40,000 deaths, nearly 200,000 hospitalizations, and millions of days lost from work. The annual economic costs associated with influenza epidemics exceed $12 billion.^1-4 Although 60% to 90% of persons who die during influenza season are aged 65 years or older, 45% to 77% of pneumonia- and influenza-associated hospitalizations occur in those younger than 65 years.^3-5 The high morbidity in adults is due in part to high attack rates—on average, close to 10% of adults have a symptomatic influenza illness each year.^6-8