Influenza- and respiratory syncytial virus-associated mortality and hospitalisations

¹ Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
² Dept of paediatric Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands
³ Dept of Virology, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: E.Hak{at}umcutrecht.nl.

	Abstract

To estimate influenza- and respiratory syncytial virus-(RSV) associated mortality and hospitalisations, especially the influenza-associated burden among low-risk persons 65 years not yet recommended for influenza vaccination in many European countries.

Retrospectively during 1997–2003, Dutch national all-cause mortality and hospital discharge figures and virus surveillance data were used to estimate annual average influenza- and RSV-associated excess mortality and hospitalisation using rate difference methods.

Influenza virus-active periods were significantly associated with excess mortality among 50-64-year-olds and the elderly, but not in younger age categories. Influenza-associated hospitalisation was highest and about equal for 0–1-year-olds and the elderly, and also significant for low-risk adults. Hospitalisation among children was mostly because of respiratory conditions, and among adults cardiovascular complications were frequent. RSV-active periods were associated with excess mortality and hospitalisation among the elderly. The highest RSV-related excess hospitalisation was found in 0–1-year-olds.

Influenza-associated mortality was demonstrated in 50–64-year-olds. Among low-risk persons younger than 65 years of age, influenza-associated hospitalisation rates were highest for 0–4-year-olds, but also significant for 5–64-year-olds. These data may further support extension of recommendations for influenza vaccination to include younger low-risk persons. The RSV-associated burden was highest for young children but also substantial for the elderly.

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