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2012-2013 Influenza Season, Impact on the Elderly, Summary Guidance
Background
It has been recognized for many years that people 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from influenza compared with young, healthy adults. It's estimated that 90 percent of seasonal influenza-related deaths and more than 60 percent of seasonal influenza-related hospitalizations in the United States each year occur in people 65 years and older. Hospitalizations also are often sentinel events in this group of people, precipitating disability, and potentially resulting in loss of the ability to live independently. Preventing influenza and treating it promptly may reduce the risk of influenza-associated complications, including hospitalization and death.
Current Situation
The 2012-2013 influenza season began early and most of the country is now experiencing high or widespread influenza activity. Seasons during which influenza A (H3N2) viruses predominate are typically associated with higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths among the elderly. A review of recent surveillance data, including data from CDC?s hospitalization and death surveillance systems, indicates that this is true for the current season as well. CDC?s recommendations for prevention and treatment of influenza among persons 65 and older remain unchanged for the current season. This document contains a summary of geriatric hospitalization and death data to date this season as well as a summary of CDC?s influenza vaccine and antiviral recommendations for people in this age group.
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Background
It has been recognized for many years that people 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from influenza compared with young, healthy adults. It's estimated that 90 percent of seasonal influenza-related deaths and more than 60 percent of seasonal influenza-related hospitalizations in the United States each year occur in people 65 years and older. Hospitalizations also are often sentinel events in this group of people, precipitating disability, and potentially resulting in loss of the ability to live independently. Preventing influenza and treating it promptly may reduce the risk of influenza-associated complications, including hospitalization and death.
Current Situation
The 2012-2013 influenza season began early and most of the country is now experiencing high or widespread influenza activity. Seasons during which influenza A (H3N2) viruses predominate are typically associated with higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths among the elderly. A review of recent surveillance data, including data from CDC?s hospitalization and death surveillance systems, indicates that this is true for the current season as well. CDC?s recommendations for prevention and treatment of influenza among persons 65 and older remain unchanged for the current season. This document contains a summary of geriatric hospitalization and death data to date this season as well as a summary of CDC?s influenza vaccine and antiviral recommendations for people in this age group.
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