Death by Flu Too Common Among Elderly

Jan. 7, 2003 -- Winter flu has taken its toll, especially among the elderly. More people over 65 have died from influenza in the last 20 years than in any other age group.

A new study, published in this week's The Journal of American Medical Association, takes a look at U.S. deaths caused by flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the past two decades and estimates the number of virus-related deaths by age group.

In all age groups, the flu kills a substantial number of people each year. The flu virus and RSV cause respiratory tract infections. RSV causes infection primarily in the young but more recently the elderly are being recognized as having a substantial proportion of RSV infections.

The study found that death from infection with the viruses affect elderly substantially more than other age groups. More than 78% of RSV-associated deaths occurred in people 65 and older. It also found that 90% of flu-related deaths occurred in patients 65 or older.

The elderly aged 85 and older were 16 times more likely to die of a flu-related cause than people aged 65-69, writes lead researcher William W. Thompson, PhD, an epidemiologist with the CDC's National Immunization Program.

The deaths were related to a number of underlying conditions, including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and serious bacterial infections.

This trend is likely due to the aging U.S. population, Thompson adds. His study points to the need for better prevention measures, including more effective vaccines and vaccination programs for elderly persons.

SOURCE: The Journal of American Medical Association, Jan. 8, 2003.